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from Daily
Telegraph Tuesday 7 November 2000
Cross to war dead
must go as it is 'religious'
By Simon Davis in Los Angeles
CIVIL libertarians in America are
forcing the removal of a First World War memorial cross because it
"represents an illegal endorsement of religion on public land".
The memorial, built in a National
Park in the Mojave Desert, honours local men who fought in the Great War.
The parks are all government-owned and the Constitution prohibits government
endorsement of religion. The National Park Service has promised to remove
the cross after threats of legal action by the American Civil Liberties
Union.
Peter Eliasberg, lawyer for the
union, said: "A cross promotes Christian beliefs over others, which is
not the role of government. Federal park land is for all of us, whether we
are Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim or none. They are clearly favouring
not only religion, but one particular religion."
Thousands visit the cross every year.
Opponents of the union have pointed out the irony in the union's action.
John Sandleman, who saw service during World War Two and regularly visits
the cross, said: "Many thousands of men and women have died in war to
protect the civil liberties of Americans. It is very sad that we cannot
remember them the way we wish to."
The union's action has raised fears
that memorial crosses across America may have to be removed.
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