Knoxville (TN) Police Cant Decide Why a Christian Plaque Must Come Down

[NeoGreen]

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2017/07/26/knoxville-tn-police-cant-decide-why-a-christian-plaque-must-come-down/

Knoxville (TN) Police Can’t Decide Why a Christian Plaque Must Come Down
July 26, 2017 by Hemant Mehta

For some reason, the Knoxville Police Department in Tennessee has had a plaque up in its headquarters for “generations” that quotes Romans 8:31.

What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us then who can be against us?

It’s always disturbing when a government-backed group with weapons acts like God is on their side. As if they can do no wrong and there’s a clearly defined “them” standing against God. What are atheists in the community to think?

The East Tennessee chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation wrote an email to the department back in February asking for the plaque to be removed because it was a clear endorsement of Christianity:

… Please note that the Knoxville Police Department is a government entity and as such should be devoid of religious promotion of any kind. Having a Bible verse promotes one particular religion and in so doing is discriminatory toward those of other religions or no religion.

Please see that the verse is removed so that all who enter your police station may feel equally treated. If you have any questions about the legality of the verse, please check with Knoxville’s city attorney. Failure to have the verse removed may expose the KPD and/or the City of Knoxville to expensive litigation that cannot be won. I will be contacting you next month to learn what steps you have taken to address this problem.

It’s straightforward and, more importantly, it’s accurate.

But check out how a city attorney refused to admit any wrongdoing at all:

[City Law Director Charles] Swanson said the city could have defended the plaque in court against the group’s claim it violates principles of separation of church and state. But he said he agreed with Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero’s position not to spend taxpayer money to fund that defense.

“We could argue in favor it keeping it, what’s the real point?” Swanson said. “I don’t think it was in a place where the public could see it. But it certainly didn’t seem like it was worth financing a fight.”

That’s called “saving face.” Instead of admitting this was a sign endorsing religion, he basically blamed the atheists for trying to waste taxpayer money. He doesn’t mention that, if the police won in court, they wouldn’t be on the hook for any of the costs.

[RKP5637]

1. K&R! n/t

[Duppers]

2. Congrats to my friends down in Knoxville.

Thanks for posting.

[Gore1FL]

3. It's one of the most dangerous quotes in that dangerous compilation of dangerous verses. nt