REPUBLIC, Mo. - A federal judge has ruled that Republic's use of a fish symbol on its municipal seal violates the U.S. Constitution's ban on establishment of an official religion.

Former Republic resident Jean Webb, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, sued the city last year claiming that the symbol _ known as an ichthus _ blurred the separation of church and state and created an uncomfortable environment for non-Christians.

"While the purpose of placing the fish symbol on the city seal may not have been to endorse Christianity, the effect of the seal is to do so," U.S. District Judge Russell Clark wrote in a decision released Friday.

Mayor Doug Boatright said city leaders will seek citizen input when they decide whether to challenge the ruling. The city has 30 days to appeal before it must begin replacing the seal that can be found on city vehicles, signs and stationery.

Webb is a practitioner of Wicca, or witchcraft. She moved to Republic in southwestern Missouri in 1995 and wrote an opinion piece in the city newspaper opposing the seal, saying the symbol suggested her religious practices would not be tolerated.

After her essay was published, Webb said she and her two children were harassed. She moved to Springfield after the lawsuit was filed.

The ichthus, a historical symbol of Christianity, has appeared on Republic's seal since 1990. Resident Marilyn Schexsnayder designed the ichthus for a public competition and has said she thought the fish represented all religions.