Protests hit Ten Commandments marker, MLK Day in New Mexico

HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — Activists advocating for religious freedom are targeting a Ten Commandments monument in a southeastern New Mexico public building and a city's sponsorship of a Martin Luther King, Jr. event. The Hobbs News-Sun report members of the Freedom From Religion Foundation says the Ten Commandments monument and the King event violate the separation of church and state. Hobbs resident and foundation member Jeremy Wood asked the Hobbs City Commission at a recent meeting to remove the Ten Commandments monument at Hobbs City Hall. Foundation lawyer Christopher Line also sent a complaint to the City of Hobbs regarding its sponsorship of a Martin Luther King, Jr. event because it involved a performance by a gospel group. Hobbs City attorney Mike Stone says the city will evaluate the complaints.