– July 20, 2006

Battle to Retain Mt. Soledad Christian Cross Moves to U.S. Senate, Fast Track on Sessions’ Taxpayer Buy-out Scheme

Congress needs to hear from us now – no public money to keep unconstitutional religious monument!

The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a bill that use to taxpayer money and allow the federal government to acquire the unconstitutional Mt. Soledad Christian cross and maintain it as a “war memorial.”

For the past 17 years, California Atheist Phil Paulson has been fighting to have the cross removed from public property. Religious groups, the City of San Diego and politicians have responded by claiming that the structure had nothing to do with religion, and was simply a memorial to fallen veterans. Judges, however, have seen through this disingenuous claim and have ordered the cross taken down. Thanks to a stay issued by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, the matter is now on hold.

Last month, House Republicans launched their “American Values Agenda” to hold a series of votes on critical culture-war legislation. Included in this was HR 5683 which would transfer ownership of the select plot of land that includes this enormous Christian cross to the federal government, and have it declared as a “war memorial.” The measure was approved 349 to 74. It now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) has introduced S. 3683.

This bill is now on a legislative fast-track! James Dobson’s FOCUS ON THE FAMILY and other religious right organizations are working hard to force a full Senate vote on S. 3683 before the upcoming seasonal congressional recess. This will be our final opportunity to stop this discriminatory legislation! The Senate needs to hear from us NOW!

What you can do…

• Contact your U.S. Senator now! Check out our resources section.
• Tell your Senator that you urge a “NO” vote on S. 3683. This matter belongs to the courts. The fair and proper resolution to this case would be to have the unconstitutional Mt. Soledad Christian cross removed from government land. It is clearly a religious monument! An authentic “war memorial” would honor all veterans by utilizing an inclusive and constitutional monument, not a religious shrine. Public money should not be used to acquire and maintain an enormous Christian cross.
• Be polite and concise.
• Be sure to “sign” your letter or E-mail, and provide a return address. Be sure to ask for a written response from your Senators!
• Share your letters and replies on this web site
• Spread this Action Alert!

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