Ten Commandments Monument Update

Yes, we got your telephone calls, social media inquires -- and the emails, too.

For several weeks now, we’ve received dozens and dozens of questions about what’s next for the Ten Commandments monument placed at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Here’s what we can tell you:

Right now ACLU of Oklahoma is waiting for a judicial mandate from the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Executive Director Ryan Kiesel said the state Supreme Court would issue instructions to Oklahoma County District Judge Thomas Prince.

“Once the Oklahoma Supreme Court issues its mandate, which could be any day now, then it’s up to Judge Prince to act,” he said. “After that, the removal process will start.”

On June 30, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 7-2 the monument’s placement on the grounds of the State Capitol violated the Oklahoma Constitution.

Brady Henderson, the Oklahoma ACLU’s legal director, said once the monument is removed, it could be stored or placed on private property.

And no, they’re not going to bring it down with a wrecking ball.

But remember, after the state Supreme Court sends instructions to the Oklahoma County District Court, the clock begins ticking.

And yes, ACLU of Oklahoma will continue to monitor the removal process.

“We understand that the state needs a reasonable amount of time to move and store the monument,” Kiesel said. “But we consider reasonable time in weeks and not months.”

If you want to know more about the case involving the Ten Commandments monument, click here. For more information about ACLU Oklahoma, visit www.acluok.org. We can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.