Public WWI Memorial Cross To Remain Pending Rehearing Motion

The Fourth Circuit stayed its mandate Nov. 2 concerning a Latin cross on public property that it said violated the First Amendment’s establishment clause, pending the state of Maryland’s petition for rehearing.

The 40-foot tall cross, originally built to honor World War I veterans, excessively entangles the government in religion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit held earlier this month.

The Fourth Circuit’s stay order came the same day as a decision finding that a county seal featuring the Latin cross violated the First Amendment, issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ...