Anti-Religion Group Objects to Hawkins Sign

HAWKINS — An anti-religion group has contacted an East Texas city council, objecting to a religious-themed sign at the edge of the city. According to our news partner KETK, the Freedom From Religion Foundation objected on grounds the sign welcoming visitors to Hawkins is an unconstitutional religious display on government property. The organization states in a letter sent to the Hawkins City Council by Staff Attorney Sam Grover, their purpose is to “protect the constitutional separation between state and church.” The sign in question reads, “Jesus Welcomes You to Hawkins” and is located on East Front Street.

The group was first made aware of the sign by a local resident, according to the organization.

In the letter, the group claims the sign “conveys both a government preference for religion over non-religion, and prefers Christianity over other religions.” It adds that the landmark violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, prohibiting public ground for advancing, supporting or promoting religion.