An Atheist group has challenged the existence of the “Ground Zero cross” at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The American Atheists organization originally filed a lawsuit against display of a religious symbol at the public museum in 2011; a federal appeals court is now saying the group needs to prove the structure is offensive with more evidence.
According to the American Atheists, the 17-foot-tall structure is a violence of the Constitutional right of freedom of religion. But the court said the group has until July 14 to support their claim with evidence.
Attorney Eric Baxter said, "Courts should not allow people to sue just because they claim to get 'dyspepsia' over a historical artifact displayed in a museum. Taking personal offense is not an injury that warrants invoking the power of the courts to shut down everything you disagree with. The Constitution is not a personal tool for censoring everyone's beliefs but your own."
American Atheists also said that the Memorial & Museum was funded by tax dollars, which would prevent the establishment from displaying religious symbols. 9/11 Foundation CEO Joe Daniels shot down the arguments, stating the project was self-funded.
Publication date: June 24, 2014
