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Utah Highway Crosses Violate Constitution: Court

'Massive' crosses violate separation of church, state

By Emily Rauhala, Newser User

Posted Aug 20, 2010 4:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – Erecting roadside crosses for fallen members of Utah's Highway Patrol is unconstitutional, a federal appeals court has decided. The 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals, addressing a lawsuit launched by an atheist group, said the memorials—which typically stand twelve feet high and include photographs and biographical information—constitute government endorsement of Christianity, reports the Christian Science Monitor.

Memorial crosses are common on American highways, but the court decided that Utah's "massive" crosses took the trend too far. The judges said large crosses convey "a message of endorsement, proselytization, and aggrandizement of religion that is far different from the more humble spirit of small roadside crosses."

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Utah's crosses dwarf this cross, in California. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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Governmental endorsement of Christianity, even in the form of an officer’s memorial, isn’t appropriate on our public highways. There are other ways to honor fallen officers. - David Niose, president of the American Humanist Association

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 64 comments

hopeandchange

Aug 22, 2010 5:30 PM CDT

yet another mis-interpretation of "separation of church and state" which does not appear anywhere in the constitution. but that will not stop the christian haters from trying to sanitize the USA of all Christianity. again this site confuses me. they hate Christianity so much but focus on it constantly. How about a few articles bashing Buddha.

lowstar

Aug 20, 2010 1:00 PM CDT

Wow, someone better get on over to the Arlington Cemetary.

logothete

Aug 20, 2010 9:48 AM CDT

I can't imagine that none of the dead UHP officers were Jewish - I'm sure Utah believes in EEO - so were there any big concrete Stars of David?

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Utah Highway Crosses Violate Constitution: Court

'Massive' crosses violate separation of church, state

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[Quotes (1)]

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

First Amendment • court • Utah • highways • separation of church and state • highway patrol • church and state • Cross

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