No crosses at the inaugural

Secret Service anti-Christian?

Christian Defense Coalition to Seek Injunctive Relief if Prohibition on Public Display of Crosses at Inauguration Parade Not Lifted

1/7/2005 12:16:00 PM

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To: National Desk

Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, 202-547-1735 or 540-538-4741 (cell)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Christian Defense Coalition will go to federal court and seek injunctive relief if the Secret Service does not publicly lift the prohibition on the public display of crosses at the Presidential Inauguration Parade.

In a letter sent to the Secret Service the group states, "No justification exists for categorical exclusions of crosses from the Inaugural Parade route." And, "...immediately redraft the definition of structures to eliminate a categorical ban on crosses."

The entire letter can be seen at http://www.earnedmedia.org/resp.htp

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, "By banning the public display of crosses at the Presidential Inauguration Parade, the Secret Service has trampled the First Amendment and crushed religious freedom in the public square. They have also shown a disregard for the religious beliefs and sensibilities of millions of Americans. If the Secret Service does not publicly lift this prohibition, our letter makes it clear we are prepared to go into federal court to resolve this matter. This marks the first time a federal law enforcement agency has banned crosses from a public event and expressed the view that crosses could somehow be used as a weapon."