Saturday, September 24, 2011

Atheist in court again over Zion's seal

ZION, Ill. (AP) — An atheist is going to court again over Zion's old seal, claiming officials are in contempt of court for using it after it was banned 20 years ago.

Zion's was forced to redesign its seal after a federal court determined the phrase "God Reigns" represented an unconstitutional endorsement of a specific religion.

The city changed it to "In God We Trust," and used stickers to conceal old city seals on street signs.

Rob Sherman, who sued over the seal in 1987, says it was used in a newspaper ad inviting Zion residents to the city's Community Network Forum.

Sherman says he wants Zion Commissioner Shantal Taylor, whose picture appeared in the ad, and others held in contempt of court.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel is to hear Sherman's petition Wednesday.

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