Texas Clerk with Wall of Crosses Says Faith Played No Part in Refusal to Issue Gay Couple Marriage License

When it comes to religious people in government jobs, the rule of thumb has always been this: You’re welcome to keep Bibles or religious symbols around your personal space, but you shouldn’t have it on display for the public where it might be seen as government endorsement of that faith.

That’s why public school teachers, for example, can have a Bible in their office desk but they can’t post Bible verses around the classroom. (If it’s a less intrusive symbol, like a cross necklace, do what you...