Suit Challenges World War I Memorial Cross

A humanist organization and three individuals yesterday filed suit challenging the constitutionality of a 40-foot tall cross erected nearly 90 years ago as a memorial to those killed in World War I.  The cross is located on a median between roadways in Bladensburg, Maryland.  The complaint (full text) in American Humanist Association v. Maryland- National Capital Park and Planning Commission, (D MD, filed 2/25/2014) contends that the county's:

ownership, maintenance and prominent display on public property of the Bladensburg Cross amounts to the endorsement and advancement of religion (and, specifically, an endorsement of and affiliation with Christianity) in violation of the Establishment Clause.

American Humanist Association issued a press release announcing the filing of the lawsuit.