Ask Mr. Answer Person: "Why is the Bible reading being allowed on the Courthouse property?"

Jerry asks Mr. Answer Person: "I thought the Constitution says there must be separation of the church and state.  So why is Winneshiek County allowing the Bible marathon on its grounds this week?"

Mr. Answer Person says: "The First Amendment to the Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

In other words, there's nothing wrong with people exercising their right to worship.  What would be wrong would be if Winneshiek County allowed people of one faith to use the Courthouse grounds--and banned people of other faiths.

The phrase "separation of church and state" refers to the prohibition against government endorsing one particular church or religion.  So long as the use of Winneshiek County property is open to everyone--and it is, so long as no one breaks a law--the Bible readers have just as much right to use the property as do the peace groups which gather for rallies on the Courthouse steps.