The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians plans to install a copy of the Ten Commandments in the tribal council hall.

The council unanimously passed a resolution in favor of the display. Angela Kephart, who raised the idea, said the tribe is exercising its sovereignty but won't be forcing Christianity on anyway.

Hugh Lambert, a tribal member, doesn't see it that way. He accused council members of showboating in advance of an election and says the display of the Ten Commandments will polarize the tribe.

The public display of the Ten Commandments went before the U.S. Supreme Court this year but tribal attorneys say two decisions issued by the court don't apply to tribes due to tribal sovereignty.

Get the Story:
Cherokee Ten Commandments move above federal law (The Smoky Mountain News September 21, 2005 Issue)

Relevant Links:
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - http://www.cherokee-nc.com

Related Stories:
Mixed rulings on display of Ten Commandments (06/28)