Alsip Drops Holiday Cross Over Lawsuit Threat
A Wisconsin-based foundation threatened to sue the village over the display of a cross used in Christmas decorations. The Freedom from Religion Foundation said the village's Holiday Cross is "unconstitutional."
OUTSIDE CHICAGO -- A cross used as part of a local village's holiday decorations for three decades won't be put up this year, according to a letter posted on the village's website. The letter from Mayor Patrick Kitching states a Holiday Cross decoration used annually on the West Water Tower, located on West 119th Street in Alsip, won't be installed. The cross has been part of a nearly 35-year tradition for the village. The Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation threatened to sue the village over the symbol, Kitching's letter states. "I am very saddened by this and had hoped we would not have to change tradition," Kitching states in the letter. "However in these economic times, the village cannot afford to waste any tax dollars on…
Jon K. Stark
1:57 pm on Friday, January 4, 2013
LOL I celebrated Christmas in my personal life and went to church this year, as usual. Try not to fall out of your chair. Was relieved to see this gross violation of the law remedied finally and the city of Alsip revert to the correct neutral state with respect to religion. Also was happy to see all of the individuals who chose to display crosses on their personal property in Alsip, as it should … more ›