Biblical References Removed from Sheriff’s Vehicles in Alabama
- Updated Oct 01, 2015
In Houston County Alabama, decals on police vehicles that reference Bible verses have been removed after complaints.
The decals referenced the words of Jesus in the “Sermon on the Mount,” particularly highlighting the beatitude that states “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
SRNNews.com reports that The Freedom From Religion Foundation, as well as Americans United for Separation of Church and State had sent letters to police officials in Houston County and threatened to file a lawsuit if the decals were not removed.
Patheos.com reports that Sheriff Donald Valenza bought the decal for $1.60. “I’ve always had religious belief, and I feel like that’s kept me alive,”Valenza stated. “We’ve used that (quote) with (the special response team) for 15 years. It symbolizes the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.”
However, after it was recommended to him that he remove the decals after meeting with a local attorney and the county’s insurance carrier, Sheriff Valenza complied in order to avoid expensive legal fees.
Publication date: October 1, 2015
