KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union is suing a central Indiana town over the display of a cross as part of its Christmas decorations.
The Indianapolis Star reports that the ACLU’s Indiana chapter and Knightstown resident Joseph Tomkins argue that the Christian symbol on display in the Knightstown town square violates the First Amendment. 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 evergreen tree and has for a number of years. The documents say there are no other holiday decorations on the square. The town of about 2,200 residents is about 40 miles east of Indianapolis.
Town officials didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment from the newspaper or The Associated Press.
