Religious Displays in Minnesota Jail Draw Criticism, Prompting Legal Challenge

A Minnesota county jail is facing backlash for displaying the Ten Commandments and religious quotes throughout its facility. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has appealed to remove the displays, citing the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

A recently opened county jail in Minnesota has sparked controversy over its inclusion of religious displays, including the Ten Commandments and quotes from politicians about religion. The displays have drawn criticism from visitors who argue that they promote a particular religion and create an atmosphere that is not welcoming to all inmates.

The new Itasca County jail in Duluth, Minnesota, features a 2-story display of the Ten Commandments along with other religious quotes on the walls. The displays have come under fire from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), which argues that they violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing or favoring any particular religion.

"Constituents — including prisoners — have the right to be free from the government proselytization," FFRF attorney Hirsh M. Joshi wrote to Itasca County Jail Division Administrator Lucas Thompson. "By suggesting that the Bible holds ‘the answers for all the problems men face,’ the jail sends a message — to a captive audience — that those who practice Christianity during their stay will get favored treatment over those who do not."

Visitors to the jail have expressed concerns about the religious displays, saying that they make them feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Grand Rapids resident Dana Butler said the displays made her "tremble," according to the Star Tribune.

"The whole time I was thinking if I were in here, it would be very clear to me that I was not in a safe place," she said.

Grand Rapids resident Brian Vroman told the Star Tribune that the quotes seem like another way for the county government to show its "authoritarian" leanings.

"This is government imposing religion" on incarcerated people who still have rights, he said. "It's pretty audacious and pretty reckless."

The FFRF is appealing to the jail authorities and county officials to remove the Ten Commandments display and the religious quotes. FFRF attorney Joshi added, "The message to county officials is simple: Repaint and repent. Paint over the quotes and Ten Commandments display, then apologize to constituents for wasting money on two paint jobs."

Itasca County Sheriff Joe Dasovich said he didn't make the decision to install the religious messages, but said he is weighing the decision to remove them despite an overwhelming call to keep them, the Star Tribune reported. He said he expected strong reactions, but didn't sense they would come from inmates because of the popularity of the jail's voluntary faith-based programs.

"I knew that it would cause people to feel a certain way," he told the outlet. "I'll take everything into account and make a decision, and I may not be happy with my decision."

Fox News Digital reached out to Sheriff Dasovich for additional comment, but has yet to receive a response.

One local pastor said of the display: "What I dislike the most is the way this gets everybody on edge against each other in the community."

Grand Rapids' Grace Bible Chapel Pastor Greg Rhodea told the Star Tribune that he likes the religious displays, but understands why those who aren't religious might not.

"What I dislike the most is the way this gets everybody on edge against each other in the community," he said. "My ultimate goal is to serve the Lord and love our neighbors."

The controversy over the religious displays highlights the ongoing debate over the separation of church and state in the United States. While the First Amendment prohibits the government from establishing or favoring any particular religion, it does not prohibit the display of religious symbols or messages in public spaces.

In recent years, there have been a number of legal challenges to religious displays in public schools, government buildings, and other public spaces. Some courts have ruled that such displays violate the Establishment Clause, while other courts have upheld them as protected free speech.

The outcome of the legal challenge to the religious displays in the Itasca County jail remains to be seen. However, the controversy is likely to continue to fuel debate over the role of religion in public life.