Written by Don Byrd
A federal judge yesterday heard arguments regarding the constitutionality of a planned 2-week display of large crosses along the public riverfront in Evansville, Indiana. The crosses were proposed and would be provided by local churches. The ACLU of Indiana argues the displays offer the appearance of religious endorsement along a long stretch of property central to the city’s image. City officials counter that the display is the result of a routine permit process open to all organizations.
The Indianapolis Star has more:
[City Attorney Keith] Vonderahe…said the city’s Board of Public Works had approved every application for a demonstration, event or display set in the river walk area, including several displays by the United Way that lasted for a similar period.
“We did not invite the church to come make this permit, just like we didn’t invite the United Way to come make their display,” he said. “As long as you follow the criteria that has been established for everyone, the riverfront is open to all at all times.”
But at that point, [Judge Sarah Evans] Barker entered the debate, saying the United Way is an organization whose work would not spark the same constitutional issues that the decorated crosses would — and also questioned both attorneys about the duration of the display compared to a typical event that lasts less than two weeks.
Judge Barker is expected to issue a ruling at some point before the planned August display.
