• Accessibility Tools
  • Action Headquarters
  • Media Center
    • Press Releases
    • Press Kit
    • All News

American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 80 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

      Learn More
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financial Info and Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Are You Humanist?
    • Are You Humanist?

      Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience.

      Learn More
    • Definition of Humanism
    • Humanism and Its Aspirations
    • Humanist of the Year Award
    • Famous Humanists in History
  • Key Issues
    • Key Issues

      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

      Learn More
    • Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism
    • Religion and Government Separation
    • Social Justice
    • Scientific Integrity
    • Promoting Peace
    • Resolutions and Statements
  • What We Do
    • What We Do

      We work tirelessly in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend civil liberties, secular governance, and scientific integrity.

      Learn More
    • Legal
    • Legislative
    • Education Center
    • Local Groups
    • Programs and Adjuncts
    • Publications
    • AHA at the Supreme Court
    • National Day of Reason
    • Boycott the Pledge Campaign
    • Humanist Disaster Recovery
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Humanism for All Prisoners’ Project
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      Ready for change? Join our network and be the first to take action. Get the resources and tools you need to make a real difference.

      Learn More
    • Humanist Action Headquarters
    • Report a Violation or Discrimination
    • Find a Local AHA Group
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • Grants and Programs
    • Resources
  • Ways to Give
    • Ways to Give

      Through winning lawsuits, active lobbying, and effective media campaigns, your contribution can go a long way.

      Learn More
    • Join
    • Renew
    • Donate
    • Online-Only Membership
    • Leave a Bequest
    • IRA Rollover Gifts
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Media Center
  • Take Action
May 16, 2018 Press Releases

Humanist Group Delivers Oral Arguments In Pensacola Cross Appellate Case

Facebook Twitter Email Share
May 16, 2018 Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Contact: Monica Miller, Senior Counsel, mmiller@americanhumanist.org, 202-238-9088

Monica Miller presents Appellate Oral Arguments in Atlanta, GA.

(Atlanta, GA, May 16, 2018)—Today, the American Humanist Association’s (AHA) senior counsel, Monica Miller, presented oral arguments before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit requesting the court to uphold the lower court’s decision that a giant Christian cross display on city grounds in Pensacola, Florida violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

The AHA in conjunction with the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) filed a lawsuit in 2016 on behalf of Pensacola residents, asserting that a large cross prominently displayed in a city park and maintained by the city government, represented a troubling elevation of the Christian faith above other beliefs and non-belief. The AHA and FFRF prevailed on their motion for summary judgment, with the District Court declaring that the cross violated the First Amendment, upon which the city appealed.

“In today’s arguments, I stressed that the outcome of this case is controlled by the Rabun County case where the Eleventh Circuit held a cross unconstitutional under nearly identical circumstances,” said Monica Miller, senior counsel for the AHA. “I also reiterated that when the government emplaces a massive, freestanding Christian cross on its property to serve as a holy object for annual Christian worship services, it sends a strong message of endorsement and exclusion.”

The summary judgment can be found here. The district court ruling can be found here. The AHA and FFRF’s appellate brief can be found here.

Listen to the May 16, 2018 oral arguments here.

###

Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.

Special thanks to the Louis J. Appignani Foundation for their support of the Appignani Humanist Legal Center.

More Press Releases

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

Explore Humanism’s Collective Future

Nicole Carr

Support the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act

Isabella Russian

The Comics Section: Storm Warnings

The Comics Section: Storm Warnings

Representation Matters: Representative Bob Carter

Sarah Levin

Fulfillment, Joy, and Exuberance Await at AHACON23

Meredith Thompson and Nicole Carr
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Report a Violation or Discrimination
  • Press Kit
  • Local Groups
  • Education Center
  • Become a Humanist Celebrant
  • Job and Internship Opportunities
  • Humanist Action Headquarters
  • Sign Up for AHA Emails
  • Privacy Policy
  • Records Policy
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

©2023 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaCharity NavigatorCandid/Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency