Madison, USA - The Freedom From Religion Foundation has protested Gov. Jim Doyle's order that flags be flown at half-staff at public buildings all week to remember Pope John Paul II.
The gesture "appears like an endorsement of Roman Catholicism over other religious viewpoints," Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the group, said Tuesday.
Doyle's executive order was issued Monday after President Bush issued a similar order Saturday.
Melanie Fonder, a spokeswoman for Doyle, said the governor's office had received calls from people wondering if the president's order covered public buildings in Wisconsin.
Both orders cover only government buildings, not private facilities or businesses, she said.
Doyle grew up Catholic and attends Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Madison. His executive order says the pope "was not only an inspirational spiritual leader but also made a significant impact on social justice issues and was a champion of peace."
Gaylor said her group would not have objected if the order had just been for Friday, the day of the pope's funeral.
"This seems excessive," she said. "Not everyone in the country is Roman Catholic, and (the pope's) not even American."
Fonder said there was no connection between Doyle's personal beliefs and the executive order. Numerous other governors of various faiths have issued similar orders, she said.
Federal statutes allow a president to order flags lowered not only upon the death of principal figures of the U.S. government but also upon the death of "other officials or foreign dignitaries." Given the prominence of the Vatican in international affairs, the pope certainly falls in the latter category, Fonder said.
Gaylor said she respects the private mourning of Catholics but protests state-backed grieving.