You got me on that one. The atheist billboards are very offensive to people, while I doubt anyone is offended by the Ten Commandments.

If you want, you can purchase ad space and put the 10 commandments there. I believe where you may have confusion is relating to cases of religious expression on public (government) property. The courts tend to strike down such exhibits, such as crucifixes in public schools and nativity scenes at government office buildings, as a violation of The First Amendment of The Constitution. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." The courts sometimes especially drill down on the "shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion".

Where have you seen an atheist advertisement? The last and only situation I've heard of was in Britain....I think. That ended with it being illegal for both atheist and theist advertisements to be displayed.

Because it's straight forward disrespect to the Religion. The 10 commandments were meant to be a reminder just to the Christians. Plus the 10 commandments could actually benefit society. Honor mother father, thou shall not kill, no stealing, no adultery, no idolatry. It could better things. But I'm pretty sure nothing good would come out of putting a sign up that just makes people angry and could possibly create violence.

Your question goes to the heart of the First Amendment and its distinct protections relating to freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The First Amendment protects two individual freedoms related to religion: the freedom to practice the religion you choose, and the prohibition of government-established religion. The First Amendment also protects the right to free speech, which includes advertising, generally. Thus, in your first examaple, anyone can advertise by purchasing advertising under the right to free speech in the First Amendment. While there are limitations on the time, place and manner, and even some content, the right is a very broad one and extends far to allow a great deal of individual expression of thoughts and ideas. In your second example, your statement is not quite accurate. It is not illegal to post the 10 Commandments in "public," (they can be posted on private property, on your front lawn, say, and that's in public) but it is a violation of the establishment clause and therefore unconstitutional for the 10 Commandments to be posted on public property, that is, government property. Courts have ruled that this is akin to government being proponents of a specific religion. That is not permitted under the establishment clause of the First Amendment. That is the gist of the distinction. There are two different parts of the First Amendment at play in your two examples. One is a broad freedom that allows any belief, idea or thought to be disseminated freely, the other is a prohibition against government using its broad power to choose one religious belief, or faith to advance.

So Moses comes down from the mountain and says, "The good news is I got Him down to 10. The bad news is adultry is still on the list." ;-P

Separation of church and state. Atheist is not a religion, and not a tax exempt organization. +5

It is not illegal for you to advertise the ten commandments. I am so sick of whining from religious types who feel they are being persecuted I could throw up! Especially when their whining is borne of lies and misinformation. Please take a civics class.

You are comparing apples to oranges. You may pay to "advertise" anything. Religious symbols may be prohibited from display in public -- government owned -- forums. They are not always prohibited -- if they are viewed as historical they have a good chance of being allowed. You cannot compare advertising to government placement -- they are not comparable.

It's not illegal for you to put up the 10 commandments. It IS unconstitutional for the government to put them up. However, private organizations can do whatever they want. Private atheist organizations can put up advertisements for atheism, just like private religious organizations can put up things like the 10 commandments. We have the same rights. Stop whining about it, preferably until you understand what you are whining about.

It's not illegal, but government can and should not post anything religious.

Perhaps we can invite all of the other world's religions to post their favorite messages too?

Atheism is not a religion....it doesn't violate our constitutional rights like religion would :)

There is nothing illegal about buying advertising space and posting the 10 commandments. Just go ask your local billboard company about it - they will be more than happy to take your money.

It is not illegal to post the Ten Commandments. It is illegal in the US to display them on or in government property - separation of religion and state. The Commandments could perfectly well be displayed on commercial advertising sites as the atheist adverts were.

Where is this? Neither is legal or illegal as far as I know.