By Associated Press - Friday, February 15, 2019

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island’s attorney general is withdrawing the state from a case heading to the U.S. Supreme Court over a cross memorial on public land in Maryland.

The Providence Journal reports that Attorney General Peter Neronha, who took office Jan. 1, says he made his decision because the case requires a “highly detailed” review of the facts that could not be done remotely.

The case centers on the constitutionality of the 40-foot-tall (12-meter) Peace Cross that honors those killed in World War I. It sits in a median and is maintained with taxpayer funds. Rhode Island supported Maryland, which says the cross doesn’t violate the constitution.

Neronha says “this is a Maryland case, not a Rhode Island one.”

Multiple religious and secular organizations praised Neronha’s decision.

___

Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide