WWI Memorial Cross Display Ruled Unconstitutional

A Latin cross located on public property at a busy intersection, erected to honor local soldiers who died in World War I, violates the First Amendment’s establishment clause, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled Oct. 18 (Am. Humanist Ass’n v. Md.-Nat’l Capital Park & Planning Comm’n, 4th Cir., No. 15-2597, 10/18/17).

The 40-foot tall cross has the primary effect of endorsing religion and excessively entangles the government in religion, the court said in an opinion by Judge Stephanie D. Thacker.

Becket Fund Deputy General Counsel Eric Rassbach told Bloomberg Law that the court’s discussion ...