MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- A humanist group is asking a Tennessee Sheriff to stop handing out medals it says violate the first amendment.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis recently designed a medal that he gives out to local residents who he says show outstanding community spirit.
WSMV-TV says the medal is embossed with what Davis calls the “five C’s:” Commitment, compassion, courage, communication, and Christ.
A local resident was apparently upset by the inclusion of a religious figure and contacted the American Humanist Association.
The group sent a letter to Davis asking that he stop giving out the medals. The Association has been known to file lawsuits in similar situations.
The medal is not an official department seal, but it is displayed on the Sheriff’s Facebook page.
Davis tells WSMV he’s sorry if he’s offended anyone, but gave no indication that he would stop handing out the medals.