Gov. Doug Ducey rejects demands to remove Easter social media post
Apr 26, 2019, 12:35 PM
(AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is standing behind an Easter social media post that cited a Bible verse after a local group said it was inappropriate to use his position to promote religion.
The April 21 post read “He is risen!” referring to Jesus. “Have a happy and blessed Easter!”
The post also had a graphic that cited John 11:25, a verse that reads, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though may he die, he shall live.'”
In response, the Secular Coalition for Arizona argued that Ducey should not use an official government social media account to send “explicit religious messaging.”
“Elected officials should not use their government position and government property to promote their religious views,” the group said in a letter to Ducey.
“The governor’s office is to represent and protect the rights of all residents of Arizona, including those who do not believe in a monotheistic god or any gods at all. Therefore, it is inappropriate for government entities to erect or sponsor religious symbols or displays on government property.”
Ducey shot back in a Facebook post on Thursday, saying his office would never remove the post or other religious posts like it.
“We won’t be removing this post. Ever. Nor will we be removing our posts for Christmas, Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah, Palm Sunday, Passover or any other religious holiday,” the post read.
“We support the First Amendment, and are happy to provide copies of the Constitution to anyone who hasn’t read it.”
