Court Asked To Reconsider Ruling On Peace Cross War Memorial
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The American Legion and other supporters of a cross-shaped war monument on a Maryland highway median just outside Washington have asked a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that found having the memorial on public land violates the U.S. Constitution.
Supporters asked the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to hold a hearing by the full court. Last month, a three-judge panel found that the 92-year-old world War I monument known as the Peace Cross "excessively entangles the government in religion."
On Wednesday, the 4th Circuit temporarily suspended its ruling until it decides whether to hold a rehearing.
The American Humanist Association challenged the constitutionality of the 40-foot (12-meter) cross in Bladensburg, saying it endorses Christianity while ignoring non-Christian veterans.
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