Senate approves MLK statue, Ten Commandments monument

The state Senate approved two bills Wednesday that would allow for a statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. and a monument containing the Ten Commandments be placed somewhere on the grounds of the state Capitol.

Both measures passed overwhelmingly despite a letter from the legislature’s attorneys — and presented by Senate minority leader Steven Henson, D-Tucker — which advised that the state could face a legal challenge over the Ten Commandments monument.

House Bill 1080 establishing the MLK statute returns to the House for a vote; House Bill 702, allowing for the Ten Commandments monument moves to the governor's desk to be signed.