Appeals Court Rules Maryland Veterans Memorial 'Excessively Entangles' Government With Religion

[trotsky]

http://christiannews.net/2017/10/18/appeals-court-rules-maryland-veterans-memorial-excessively-entangles-government-with-religion/

BLADENSBURG, Md. — The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that a Maryland veterans memorial in the shape of a cross violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution because it “excessively entangles” the government with religion.

“We hold there is excessive religious entanglement in this case for two reasons. First, the Commission owns and maintains the cross, which is displayed on government property. The Commission has spent at least $117,000 to maintain the cross and has set aside an additional $100,000 for restoration,” wrote Judge Stephanie Thacker, appointed to the bench by then-President Barack Obama.

“Second, displaying the cross, particularly given its size, history, and context, amounts to excessive entanglement because the Commission is displaying the hallmark symbol of Christianity in a manner that dominates its surroundings and not only overwhelms all other monuments at the park, but also excludes all other religious tenets,” she opined.

Thacker, joined by Judge James Wynn Jr., also appointed to the bench by Obama, ruled that the presence of the cross would convey to “any reasonable observer that the [Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning] Commission either places Christianity above other faiths, views being American and Christian as one in the same, or both.”

Some Christians think we should overlook items like these since Christians are the majority, it's OK. Pity that so many in this country are too religiously privileged to fully appreciate the separation of church and state. I'm glad we still have some judges who get it.

[Faux pas]

1. Kickin'

[procon]

2. Why is tax money being used to maintain a christian themed monument?

This is a 40 foot tall religious cross mounted on a base with a memorial plaque. The simplest solution is to use a stone saw to separate the religious icon from the actual memorial. Keep the plaque in place and auction off the cross to churches, cemeteries and other religious properties.

[Act_of_Reparation]

3. Religious privilege doesn't exist.

I read that on the internet. Must be true.

[trotsky]

4. It's true.

The real injustice in the world is when good Christian folk are prevented from celebrating their faith using public facilities and money. That's damned intolerant of everyone else to be bothered by that, apparently.

[Act_of_Reparation]

5. It's weird, though.

Because when non-Christian countries legislate their religion on Christians, it's called "persecution". I'm not too smart, so I don't understand all the subtleties.