LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- A monument honoring the 10 Commandments is one step closer to making its way to the state capitol grounds.
A GoFundMe account aimed at getting the statue made reached its goal Thursday.
“If it's good enough for the United States Supreme Court, then it’s good enough for us,” said Senator Jason Rapert.
Senator Rapert is a sponsor for the monument, and he’s not alone.
“99 legislators out of 135 that voted for that.”
Outside of congress, Rapert collected more than $18,000 worth of private donations, which exceeded their fundraising goal.
“Which should get the monument erected, and hopefully we'll finish the foundation. We may have to raise some more for that, but people have been really supportive,” said Rapert.
Those against it argue that it’s a violation of religious freedom.
“The 10 Commandments for many, many years, since the beginning of the country, was part of the moral foundation of law,” said Rapert.
An out-of-state group called the Universal Society of Hinduism wants to put a statue of the Lord of Hanuman on the capitol grounds as well.
The group submitted a request to the Secretary of State Office in November, but unlike the 10 Commandments statue, they are in a stand still.
“This commission does not hold regular meeting. They don't meet very often,” said Chris Powell with the Secretary of State’s office.
The Fallen Firefighters Memorial was placed on the state capitol grounds in 2014.
The Secretary of State's office says from conception to it's opening, it took about 18 years.
“They wanted to make sure they had all the expected submissions, before they call a meeting,” said Powell.
A 10 Commandments monument on Oklahoma’s capitol grounds was removed in October of last year after several lawsuits argued it violated state law.
“We anticipate there may be some legal challenges, but the bill is pretty straight forward,” said Powell.
Senator Rapert argues this isn't a violation of the constitution.
“I challenge anybody to show me in the U.S. Constitution, the phrase, ‘separation of church and state,’ it's not there,” said Rapert.
Five other groups in addition to Hindus are in line to be considered by the capitol's Arts and Grounds Commission.
The meeting for this commission has not been set yet. It all depends on when the final group submits their request.
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