Illinois Residents File Lawsuit to Remove Ten Commandments Monument from Courthouse Lawn
Multifaith and Nonreligious Plaintiffs Challenge Religious Display in Jefferson County
A group of multifaith and nonreligious residents in Jefferson County, Illinois, have filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a Ten Commandments monument from the county courthouse lawn. The legal action, announced on June 10, 2025, is supported by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), the ACLU of Illinois, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Alleged Violation of State Constitution
The plaintiffs argue that the presence of the religious monument on public property violates the Illinois Constitution’s guarantee of separation between church and state. According to the lawsuit, the display of the Ten Commandments on government grounds sends a message of religious endorsement, which the plaintiffs contend is unconstitutional.
“The government should not be in the business of promoting religious doctrine,” said a representative from the FFRF. The organization, along with the ACLU and ACLU of Illinois, is providing legal support to the residents challenging the monument.
Monument Relocated by Sheriff, Public Funds Possibly Used
The Ten Commandments monument was reportedly moved to the courthouse lawn by the Jefferson County sheriff. Plaintiffs allege that public resources may have been used in the relocation, raising further concerns about the use of taxpayer funds to support a religious display.
Despite receiving legal warnings from advocacy groups, the Jefferson County Board voted to retain the monument on courthouse grounds. The board’s decision prompted the filing of the lawsuit, which seeks to compel the county to remove the monument.
Legal Action: Petition for Writ of Mandamus
The case has been filed as a Petition for Writ of Mandamus in Illinois state court. This legal mechanism asks the court to order a government official or entity to perform a duty required by law—in this case, the removal of the religious monument from public property.
Statements from Advocacy Groups and Plaintiffs
The lawsuit includes statements from the FFRF, ACLU, and individual plaintiffs, all emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional principles. The ACLU of Illinois stated, “Religious freedom is best protected when the government stays neutral on matters of faith.” Individual plaintiffs, representing a range of religious and nonreligious backgrounds, expressed concern that the monument’s presence on government property makes them feel excluded and sends a message of favoritism toward one religious tradition.
Broader Implications
The case highlights ongoing debates over the role of religious symbols in public spaces and the interpretation of constitutional protections regarding religion. The outcome could have implications for similar displays in other jurisdictions across Illinois and potentially beyond.
For more information and the original source, visit the FFRF news release.
