California Club Fights to Restore Cross on Private Property Amid Atheist Group’s Campaign
A California club is embroiled in a legal battle to reclaim a cross that was removed from what they claim is their private property after an atheist group campaigned for its removal.
Fifty years ago, a devout Christian asked the Albany Lions Club to construct and maintain a large lighted steel and plexiglass cross on his private land, to be illuminated during the Christmas and Easter seasons. The cross, visible for miles when lit, serves as a symbol of God’s love and a source of comfort for the Christian community, according to the group.
However, the surrounding area has since become public land, leading to an easement dispute between the City of Albany and the Lions Club.
The Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), a conservative legal defense organization, filed a petition for relief after the City of Albany removed the cross in June 2023. Brad Dacus, president of PJI, alleges that the city harbors animosity towards Christians.
Dacus stated, “If there was a giant LGBT flag or something like that, this city would embrace it. No problem. So it’s specifically because of the viewpoint and the religious viewpoint and perspective of the cross. That’s their agenda.”
The petition filed by PJI accuses the City of Albany of displaying hostility towards the cross due to its religious message, citing discriminatory actions against the Lions Club’s exercise of religion and free speech.
Dacus expressed confidence in the case, pointing to statements made by city officials that he believes demonstrate bias against the cross.
The former Mayor of Albany, Aaron Tiedemann, who is associated with the Green Party, celebrated the cross’s removal as aligning with the city’s values. Tiedemann’s comments were cited in the petition as evidence of the city’s discriminatory actions.
Dacus contends that the city is attempting to use eminent domain to claim ownership of the property and ensure the cross’s removal, a move he argues violates constitutional protections of religious freedom.
He emphasized the importance of electing officials who respect religious freedom and warned against giving in to what he described as leftist extremist ideology.
The City of Albany declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Fox News Digital reached out to Tiedemann for a response but did not receive an immediate reply.
As the legal battle continues, the fate of the cross on the private property remains uncertain, with the Lions Club and PJI prepared to take the case to the Supreme Court if necessary.
