Prayer case not first of its kind

CRANSTON, RI (WPRI) - The prayer banner controversy at Cranston West is not the first time a religious display in a public building has lead to a legal challenge.

Two similar cases have occurred, each with very different rulings.

In 1962, a Ten Commandments monument was placed on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. A homeless man, Thomas Van Orden, filed suit against Texas Governor Rick Perry. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the monument was "both religious and secular as displayed in a museum-like setting".

In the Cranston Banner ruling, Judge Ronald Lagueux cites the Van Orden decision that stated while the Texas monument on government property did not violate the constitution.

Judge Laguex also refers to a Kentucky case involving a Ten Commandments monument in front of the McCreary County courthouse.

On the same day as the Van Orden ruling, the high court voted against that Kentucky historical religious monument, citing the importance of government neutrality.

The Cranston School Committee has ten days from the date of the ruling to remove the banner, or move forward with an appeal.

A vote in this matter could come as early as next week.