Watch CBS News

American Legion Seeks To Defend War Memorial Cross

BLADENSBURG, Md. (AP) -- The American Legion is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a cross-shaped World War I memorial in Maryland.

The lawsuit was filed earlier this year by the American Humanist Association, a group that advocates for atheists and others who do not believe in a deity. It says the display of the cross by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission amounts to government sponsorship of religion and violates the First Amendment.

The Bladensburg World War I Veterans Memorial was erected by the American Legion, a group founded by veterans of that war. It was dedicated in 1925.

On Thursday, the Liberty Institute filed papers in federal court asking a judge to allow the American Legion to join the lawsuit so it can defend the memorial.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.