Mezuzah In Florida Capitol Raises Church-State Question

The AP reported yesterday that Florida's Governor, Charlie Crist, has raised church-state issues by hanging a mezuzah on his office door at the Capitol. The mezuzah was a gift to the governor from state Rep. Adam Hasner, who obtained it during a trade mission to Israel earlier this year. Crist, who is not Jewish, said that this was his way of recognizing the religious diversity in the state. ACLU spokesman Larry Spalding, however, said: "It would be appropriate in the governor's mansion or in his office where he works. But when you place it in an area where it even has the appearance of giving the government stamp of approval, then I think you violate that neutrality principle."