Religious display at courthouse quickly removed

Lubbock County Judge Tom Head said someone placed the objects without the Commissioners Court consent or knowledge.

The sign read, "Reunite the church and state, and separation of church and state is not just wrong, the '63 ruling of the Supreme Court is unconstitutional."

Local Attorney Curtis Parrish said he agreed with the judge's decision to remove the display. 

"It doesn't matter if it is a religious object or protest object there is a procedure they have to go through," he said. "Judge Head was correct that does need to come down, there is procedure in place if it is not approved by the County Commissioners."

Parrish said it is also the issue of church versus state.

"More precisely, this is an issue of the Establishment Clause, from the First Amendment of the Constitution, whether or not public facilities, government facilities can establish a preference from one religion to another."

However, many in the Hub said they wouldn't mind if there were a Christian display on the lawn.

"It doesn't bother me that it would be out there, it is the reason for the season, it is Jesus' birthday."

"Christmas is definitely about Christ, so I don't have a problem with it."

"That is what is wrong with our society is they are taking Jesus out of everything."

"It's not like someone is standing there in front saying 'You have to believe in this, you have to think the same way I do' that I would have problem with, but the fact that it's there I wouldn't have a problem with that."

"This country was founded on Christian principles, and at one time you could not hold public office if you did not actively go to church."

"Some people don't believe in it, so it shouldn't."

Judge Head said he personally agrees with the message behind the display.

"If I were to call our attorneys they would say take that stuff down, so I don't have to call them. I know how they think."

Judge Head contacted maintenance crews and had the objects removed.