ACLU Suing Indiana Town Over Cross As Part Of Christmas Decorations
KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. (KDKA) -- The American Civil Liberties Union is suing a central Indiana town over the display of a cross as part of its Christmas decorations.
CBS affiliate WTTV reports the suit was filed on behalf of Joseph Tompkins of Knightstown, who argues that the Latin cross "is the preeminent symbol of Christianity, representing the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus." So if the display is religious, the suit argues, it has no business on town property.
The lawsuit is seeking for removal of the cross, monetary damages and declaration that the cross display violates the First Amendment.
Court documents say that the illuminated cross is atop a large tree and has appeared there for a number of years. Tompkins alleges he "is forced to come into direct and unwelcome contact" with the cross on top of the tree as he drives through town.
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The town of about 2,200 residents is about 40 miles east of Indianapolis.
Mark Tompkins says he doesn't buy that seeing the display is hurting Joe in any way.
"There's a church on every corner here," he said. "There's a church on every corner. Is he offended by all the crosses?"
