SALT LAKE CITY — With the goal of keeping roadside crosses in place in the face of a federal court order, the Utah Highway Patrol Association has removed the state’s highway patrol logo from more than a dozen crosses statewide — and reiterated its stance that the crosses are not state-sponsored.
The move by the patrol association came after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up the case, disappointing social conservatives. The court’s inaction Oct. 31 allowed a decision by the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to stand that said the crosses amounted to an unconstitutional government establishment of religion. A reasonable observer, the 10th Circuit Court ruled, would believe the “state of Utah is endorsing Christianity.”
The 12-foot-tall, 6-foot-wide crosses throughout Utah honor state troopers killed in action. They are placed as close as possible to the place of death, and they have the trooper’s name, rank and badge number, along with a photo. It remains to be seen whether the association’s move will appease the court.
The Utah Highway Patrol Association announced its action in late November, saying it “voluntarily” removed the Utah Highway Patrol logo. The association also added a sign stating that each of the crosses is a “private memorial” and is not a “state endorsement of any religion.” Furthermore it said family members could choose “another appropriate symbol” instead of a cross.
Share with others: