Email: ACLU Objects to Crosses on Federal Property (Including Cemeteries)
Netlore Archive: Does the ACLU's battle against displaying religious symbols on federal property extend to calling for the removal of crosses from military gravesites?
Description: Forwarded email
Circulating since: Feb 2003
Status: False / Intent is satirical
Example:
Email contributed by N. Walker, March 5, 2003:
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Did you see in the news last week where The A C L U doesn't want any crosses on Federal Property? 
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Analysis: Despite the evident satirical intent of this forwarded email — its author clearly disagrees with the ACLU's opposition to religious displays on government property per the "establishment of religion" clause of the U.S. Constitution — people have taken it seriously enough to complain to the group, prompting the following addition to the ACLU website FAQ:
Why does the ACLU want to remove crosses from federal cemeteries?
The ACLU has never pursued the removal of religious symbols from personal gravestones. In fact, following lawsuits filed by the ACLU and the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Department of Veterans Affairs agreed to allow family members to include a religious symbols on headstones.
The ACLU has long argued that veterans and their families should be free to choose religious symbols on military headstones -- whether Crosses, Stars of David, Pentacles, or other symbols — and that the government should not be permitted to restrict such religious expression in federal cemeteries.
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Related Netlore:
ACLU Objects to Marines Praying?
From the Netlore Archive
Sources and further reading:
ACLU Position on Religious Liberty
American Civil Liberties Union
Last updated: 11/10/11
