In 1925, the American Legion erected a monument in Bladensburg, Maryland, as a sign of respect to the memory of 49 County of Prince Georgewho died during the First world war. Almost 90 years cross-shaped memorial was a place where people brought flowers and candles, thousands of people, not indifferent to the death of the fallen.
But in 2014, the American humanist Association, which insists that man can do good deeds without «faith in the supernatural,» has filed a lawsuit in the district court. Members say that the memorial is unconstitutional and must be demolished. The address of the Association it was said that the cross is inherently carries a religious message and is designed to honoring only Christian soldiers.
Wednesday, October 18, the 4th circuit court of appeals ruled on this case and decided that the historical memorial to be demolished – because the monument has a cruciform shape.
In this case the chief district judge Roger Gregory disagreed with this decision. It is, in his opinion, «violates the intent or spirit of the Constitution that these heroes defended until his death.»
Lawyer Michael Carvin, representing the American Legion in court, is going to appeal to the Supreme court to appeal.
«This is a memorial dedicated to local veterans, is almost 100 years old and is in place within the law in accordance with the First amendment, says Carvin. – To remove him would be a terrible shame to our men who gave their lives during the First world war.»
The President of the First free Institute Kelly Sanfordthat helps the American Legion to protect the monument from demolition, called the ruling «an outrageous decision, which sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the destruction of memorials across the country».
Let Us Also Recall CAIR’s 1st Monument They are Targeted For Removal At Veterans Memorial Park In Bladensburg, MD #CAIR https://t.co/essnSdcNBJ pic.twitter.com/DOVMVaisDJ
Anti — CAIR (@AntiCAIR) August 16, 2017
Recall that Donald trump has a huge support from Christian voters. A week ago at the summit in Washington , the President promised to increase attention to religious interests.
«The bureaucrats think they can control your lives, undo your values, to interfere in your faith and tell you how to live, what to say and how to pray», he said during a speech to religious conservatives, who greeted his words with applause. He assured that his administration is working to address important religious issues, such as participation of believers in legal disputes against members of the LGBT community.
It is unknown whether the monument was dismantled or modified, and what will be the attitude of the President to such precedents.
