Ballot Measure On Cross In City Seal

In Redlands, California this fall, voters will be called on to cast their ballot on Measure Q, a voter initiative that would amend the municipal code to make official the the city seal used since 1963 that includes in it a cross. The Redlands Daily Facts yesterday reported on the likely challenge that will be raised by the ACLU if the initiative is passed. The Save Redlands' Seal Committee says that the symbol represents the legacy of religion in Redlands, which has sometimes been called the "city of churches." An opposing group, the Redlands Values Coalition, says that using a cross in the logo is intolerant of other faiths, unconstitutional, and fiscally irresponsible because the city would be liable for the ACLU's court costs if it loses in litigation.