Attorney says Ten Commandments displays are legal

CINCINNATI (AP) - An attorney for two Kentucky counties says courthouse displays of the Ten Commandments are for educational and historical purposes.
    The new argument in the 10-year dispute follows a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the displays in McCreary and Pulaski counties had a predominantly religious purpose. However, the court also ruled that religious materials are allowed as part of an educational or historical display.
    The counties’ lawyer yesterday told a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati that the new displays satisfy the high court’s requirement. They focus on foundations of American law and government, and includes plaques featuring the Bill of Rights and the words to the “Star-Spangled Banner.“
    But the American Civil Liberties Union says the counties are still trying to promote religion.