Fed.Court Says Md. WWI Peace Cross Unconst.; American Legion May Appeal to Supreme Court

In a case that has critical ramifications for memorials and cemeteries across the U.S., a federal court ruled on October 18 that a World War I memorial in the shape of a cross in Bladensburg, Maryland is unconstitutional, the Spero Forum website reports today (October 20, 2017).


The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled in a 2-1 decision that the 40-foot "Peace Cross" violates the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment of the Constitution.


The American Humanist Association (AHA) -- an organization that promotes atheism in the United States -- initiated the court case, and wants the cross demolished, altered, or removed.


In voting against the cross, Judge Stephanie Thacker wrote, "The monument here has the primary effect of endorsing religion..." The American Legion is expected to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.