Maryland Court Rules Cross-Shaped Memorial Unconstitutional

BY CHRISTINA STURDIVANT IN NEWS ON OCT 18, 2017 4:00 PM

In a 2-1 decision, Maryland judges ruled on Wednesday that a World War I memorial on public land is unconstitutional because its cross-shaped design could make people think that the government is supporting religious views.

The 40-foot-tall structure known as Peace Cross sits at a major intersection in Bladensburg, Md. and is supported by public funds.

The challenge was brought to the court by the American Humanist Association, which represents atheist groups, among other members. They argued that the monument endorses Christianity and violates the First Amendment.
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The ruling in favor of the association was made in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and overturns an earlier decision by a federal district court in Baltimore that upheld the cross.