Sen. Cruz, Rep. Scalise Lead 109 Members of Congress in Submitting an Amicus Brief in the Supreme Court to Stop the Courts from Tearing Down a World War I Memorial

Statement

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) today led the filing of an amicus brief on behalf of 109 Members of Congress to the Supreme Court of the United States in American Humanist Association v. Maryland--National Capital Park and Planning Commission. In the aftermath of World War I, residents in Prince George's County erected a 40-foot Peace Cross to honor nearly 50 local men who lost their lives in the conflict. In 2014, the American Humanist Association brought a suit claiming the cross violated the Establishment Clause. The Fourth Circuit agreed, failing to recognize the history and context of the memorial and misinterpreting the Constitution.

In the brief, the Members of Congress express their support of the Bladensburg Peace Cross, noting the Fourth Circuit opinion has broad implications, which could imperil war memorials all over the country.

"For 90 years, the families of Prince George's County have honored America's fallen heroes," Sen. Cruz said. "Erected in the aftermath of World War I, the Peace Cross has stood as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. The American Humanist Association convinced the Fourth Circuit to adopt a perverse interpretation of the Establishment Clause, which in no way prohibits a war memorial on public land from featuring religious imagery. Our men and women in uniform will be better served by building more memorials to their bravery, not tearing them down. I am grateful for Representative Scalise's leadership in the House, and I urge the Supreme Court to defend the religious liberty of every American."

"I thank Senator Cruz for his leadership in the Senate on this effort and I'm proud to lead the fight in the House in support of this appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court that honors the religious tradition of our nation, protects memorials and monuments across the country that incorporate religious symbols, and seeks to clarify court rulings that misinterpret the true meaning of the separation of church and state," Rep. Scalise said. "We must protect our national memorials to those who have given their all in support of our country and acknowledge the role that religion plays in American life. For 90 years, this cross has stood to honor 49 brave soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country in World War I, and it's incumbent upon us to make sure their memory and legacy is protected and defended at all costs."

Source