Rhode Island Withdraws From Maryland Memorial Cross Case
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island's attorney general is withdrawing the state from a case heading to the U.S. Supreme Court over a cross memorial on public land in Maryland.
The Providence Journal reports that Attorney General Peter Neronha, who took office Jan. 1, says he made his decision because the case requires a "highly detailed" review of the facts that could not be done remotely.
The case centers on the constitutionality of the 40-foot-tall (12-meter) Peace Cross that honors those killed in World War I. It sits in a median and is maintained with taxpayer funds. Rhode Island supported Maryland, which says the cross doesn't violate the constitution.
Neronha says "this is a Maryland case, not a Rhode Island one."
Multiple religious and secular organizations praised Neronha's decision.
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