Highway trooper memorials object of atheist scorn in Utah

[Soldier4Christ]

Highway trooper memorials object of atheist scorn in Utah

Attorneys for a private organization that supports Utah highway patrol officers and their families have argued in federal court that a lawsuit filed against the state patrol and Transportation Department by the group American Atheists has no merit.

Alliance Defense Fund's (ADF) Byron Babione, legal counsel for the Utah Highway Patrol Association, says the atheists' argument is legally debunked because the crosses are placed by private citizens -- in compliance with the Establishment Clause. He says the only involvement by the state was in granting permission to the group that placed them.

Babione says the crosses are not being used as religious symbols or ceremonial objects, but as narratives of the officers killed in the line of duty -- as well as safety reminders about the dangers of the highway. The deceased's name, along with a photograph, badge number, and details of how the officer was killed, are listed on the cross.

"So it's pretty clear that in this context -- and this satisfies the constitutional analysis -- that these memorial crosses were erected to honor the troopers' service and sacrifice; and [number] two, to promote highway safety," says Babione.

ADF argues that "a few atheistic objectors" should not be able to deprive the families of the fallen officers from having memorials to their loved ones. The hearing this week was a summary judgment motion which, Babione says, will likely result in a ruling on the case.