Atheists want Bladensburg Peace Cross to be removed

WASHINGTON – The World War I Memorial Peace Cross in Prince George’s County has stood for nearly 90 years. But an organization is asking that the cross be taken down.

The American Humanist Association, a humanist and atheist advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., filed a complaint last month saying that the cross is an unconstitutional use of a religious symbol on public land.

The cross is on Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission land.

Bladensburg Mayor Walter Lee James, Jr. tells the Gazette he thinks the cross should stay, and that it is not a religious symbol.

The cross was dedicated in 1925 to honor WWI veterans in Prince George’s County.

A petition has been started asking that the cross stays where it is.

WTOP’s Thomas Warren contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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