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Federal Judge To Decide On Cross Display

Last updated on Friday, July 19, 2013

(INDIANAPOLIS) - A federal judge in Indianapolis is deciding whether a group of churches will be allowed to display crosses in downtown Evansville.

Judge Sarah Evans-Barker heard arguments from attorneys on both sides of the issue Thursday. This after the ACLU of Indiana filed suit to stop Westside Christian Church and others from displaying crosses painted by bible schools kids in Evansville's popular Riverwalk area.

The ACLU's Gavin Rose says the display of up to 31 crosses amounts to a "city endorsement" of religion and violates the separation of church and state. However, attorney Keith Vonderahe who represents the city of Evansville, says public speech has always been welcomed by the city which has permitted many events and activities along the Riverwalk in the past.

Vonderahe says the crosses represent private speech and are not a city endorsement of religion.

udge Barker says she'll come up with a ruling well before August 4th when the display is scheduled to go up.

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