In a major decision, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled 2-1 that a giant Christian cross in Prince County, Maryland is unconstitutional. During oral arguments, attorneys defending the 40 foot tall “Peace Cross” attempted to argue that the symbol was not religious and was a secular symbol intended to commemorate all those who gave their lives in World War I. People of all faiths and none serve and sacrifice in our Armed Forces. They deserve monuments and memorials reflect the diversity of our military and the secular character of the country they fought to defend.
The American Humanist Association, a member organization of the Secular Coalition for America and the plaintiff in this case, echoed this sentiment in their official statement on the ruling:
“Government war memorials should respect all veterans, not just those from one religious group. Religious neutrality is important in a pluralistic society like ours.”
