L.A. seal has its day in court. Suit challenges removal of religious icon.

[CaroleG]

Cast into the heart of a nationwide controversy over the constitutionality of religious symbols in public areas, three members of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments Tuesday regarding a lawsuit challenging a decision to remove the cross from Los Angeles County's official seal.

The cross had been part of the county seal since 1957 but after the American Civil Liberties Union threatened a lawsuit, the Board of Supervisors voted in 2004 to change the seal.

The move set off a firestorm of protest and the Thomas More Law Center filed a lawsuit against the county on behalf of county Department of Public Works employee Ernesto R. Vasquez, alleging that the decision violated the Constitution by conveying a state-sponsored message of disapproval of and hostility toward Christianity.

.......

But Senior Deputy County Counsel Jennifer Lehman argued that Vasquez does not have the right to dictate - through litigation - what historical or cultural symbols the county places on its seal.

.......

"I don't think a reasonable observer would see replacing a Christian cross with a mission as a message of hostility toward Christians," Lehman said.


http://www.dailynews.com/ci_4508561

[muryan]

1. Anything that is neutral is apparently anti-christian these days

everytime something like this happens some preacher or minister is spouting off that democrats want to steal and burn all the bibles.

[Richardo]

2. Won't they have to change the name of the city, then?

"El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Angeles" is pretty religious, too.

Shit like this gives the RW spin machine all the ammo it needs re: ACLU, liberals, etc. Puts them on the same level as PETA :eyes:

Who the hell gives a crap about what's on the city seal? :grr:

[geek tragedy]

3. Agreed. The whole thing has been a waste of time. eom

[Fenris]

4. There could be a depiction of two dogs a'humpin'

Who gives a shit? It's a city seal! Unless you're looking to have it tattooed on yourself, it really shouldn't be that big of a deal.

[Zhade]

5. Here's hoping they lose, since it's a violation of the first amendment.

NT!