LA County to remove cross from county seal after ACLU challenge
The Associated Press
Last Updated: June 2, 2004, 01:25:15 AM PDT
LOS ANGELES (AP) - County supervisors have decided to remove a tiny cross from the county's official seal rather than face a potential lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union.
The supervisors held an emotional debate Tuesday before deciding to replace the cross with another image - possibly a representation of a Spanish mission or California's indigenous tribes.
The cross has been on the county seal since 1957 in a panel with two stars above a depiction of the Hollywood Bowl. The Bowl was intended as a symbol of culture while one star represents film and the other television.
In a May 19 letter, ACLU attorneys warned the Board of Supervisors to remove the cross or face a lawsuit, saying the seal was unconstitutional because it reflects "an impermissible endorsement of Christianity by the county government."
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http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/8653726p-9526933c.html