(CNN) – The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has requested that a city in Illinois remove a cross from a mural painted on a tunnel on city-owned property. A “Let the Cross Stay” petition has consequently been launched in an effort to urge city council members to uphold the mural — a petition that has over 30K signatures as of press time.
“We are writing to request that the Latin cross be removed from the mural,” the FFRF letter states. “It is inappropriate and unconstitutional for a government-owned mural to prominently feature a religious display, such as a Latin cross. It is especially inappropriate where the display is placed in a location where it will predominantly be viewed by public school children and staff moving from one part of their campus to another.”
According to the Effingham Daily News, the mural — in between Effingham High School and its sports complex — was painted by Jamie Stang-Ellis of Stang Arts and features an American flag blowing the wind, a football field, and a white cross surrounded by a burst of light. READ MORE
