The ACLU of Louisiana has agreed to a Slidell judge’s request for more time to consider the legality of a picture of Jesus that hangs in the city’s courthouse, a spokesperson for Slidell said Monday.

The ACLU has requested that the picture be taken down, contending that it violates the separation of church and state.

Last week the organization threatened to file suit over the picture if it was removed by Wednesday.

Judge James Lamz said he would need more time to make a decision.

Monday, ACLU President Vincent Booth said the group would extend their deadline two weeks following a phone call with Judge Lamz.

"I appreciate the willingness of Mr. Booth to initiate this contact. I truly believe he recognizes that the ACLU's staff should have dealt with this in a more professional manner. The resulting publicity and controversy has served no one's best interest in seeking a resolution. It was also not necessary to offend me or this community with inflammatory comments and allegations

regarding the display," Judge Lamz said. "I applaud Mr. Booth for his efforts to diffuse the situation and set this on the right track."

Judge Lamz said he wishes to consult Constitutional experts and said he will take the picture down if it is found to be in violation of the law.