Perhaps you have driven down Highway 21 in Sabine County and have seen this sign.  Even though this sign is on private property apparently there are laws in the state governing whether signs like this can be erected near a highway...and that's what led to this legal battle.  According to press release, the Liberty Institute on behalf of its client Jeanette Golden of Hemphill and Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) officials jointly announce that the Ten Commandments sign Golden placed on her property along State Highway 21 is exempt from a state regulation prohibiting non-commercial signs on private property.

Prior to the rule change, which became official today, non-commercial signs such as Golden’s were not permitted in Texas. In May 2014, Golden complained to TXDOT that the regulation violated the Constitution, federal and Texas law. In response, TXDOT agreed to amend the regulation by creating an exemption for non-commercial signs such as Golden’s. Under the new rule, signs that do not exceed 96 sq. ft. in size, sit on private property and do not promote a business are allowed without a license or permit.  Golden’s Ten Commandment’s sign is 72 sq. ft. Follow this link to view a copy of TXDOT’s rule change letter: https://libertyinstitute.org/txdot#revisedpolicy

Liberty Institute Senior Counsel Mike Berry said, “We applaud TXDOT’s willingness to work with Mrs. Golden to make this a win-win situation. This rule change will benefit all Texans who value liberty.  And we commend TXDOT’s commitment to religious freedom and private property rights, which are the most sacred rights Texans and Americans enjoy, dating back to the founding of Texas and our nation.”

 

 

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