HOUSTON -- A federal lawsuit demands a Bible be removed from within a monument near an entrance to a civil courthouse in downtown Houston.

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Bible Becomes Center Of Lawsuit

The Bible has been part of the lighted display since 1995 when the monument that contains it was refurbished.

It was originally erected in 1956 to honor industrialist William Mosher for his contributions to homeless programs.

The suit against Harris County was brought by Kay Staley of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

"Where is the end of this going to be? What really offends me is that we're a multicultural society and there are numerous religions in this country and it offends me that that is not what the United States is about," Staley said.

Staley decided to go to court after months of negotiations with Harris County officials.

County Judge Robert Eckels has defended the monument.

Eckels said that the Bible contained within the monument is a tribute to Mosher, who was a devoutly religious man.

Last week, Rev. Aubrey Vaughn, with Grace Baptist Church went to jail in Alabama for protesting the removal of the Ten Commandments in the state's judicial building.

Tuesday, he was in front of the courthouse, protesting the removal of the bible monument.

"What's wrong with promoting religion in the public? We do it all the time. We're out here in the street. Isn't that what America is all about?" Vaughn said.

Staley's attorney said he might seek a temporary restraining order to remove the bible until the matter is settled in court.