A judge has ruled that the cross of steel beams recovered from the rubble of the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks can remain at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, despite the objections of American Atheists, a nonprofit group who sued to have it removed. The Manhattan Federal District Court’s Deborah Batts dismissed the lawsuit, which argued that displaying the cross amounted to an endorsement of Christianity, after concluding that the piece’s purpose was “historical and secular.” She also pointed out that the museum placards accompanying the cross should be enough to clear up any questions about its meaning or inclusion. The atheists have vowed to appeal the decision.
