Judge Denies Request To Erect Columbine Crosses
Ruling Will Force Illinois Carpenter To Put Crosses In Clement Park
A federal judge on Thursday refused to allow an
Illinois man to erect 13 crosses for the Columbine High victims on
a hill near the high school on the second anniversary of the
massacre.
Greg Zanis wanted to put the crosses on Rebel Hill in Clement
Park, but the Foothills Park and Recreation District assigned him
to a parking area where other Columbine demonstrations will be held.
Clement Park is just north of Columbine High School, but Rebel Hill overlooks the high school and the park. Zanis erected 15 crosses on the hill shortly after the Columbine massacre (pictured, left) but a relative of one of the victims took down the two crosses representing the two high school gunmen.
District Judge Richard P. Matsch said Thursday that the new location did
not infringe on Zanis' right to free speech, as he had claimed in a
lawsuit against the district.
Park officials had said that they were concerned about devoting
resources to issues and agendas from outside the Columbine
community.
Backed by the Rutherford Institute, a Virginia-based
civil-liberties group that fights for religious freedom, Zanis
had asked Matsch to overrule park officials.
Two teen gunmen killed 12 students and a teacher before taking
their own lives on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Jefferson County.
School officials plan a 30-minute ceremony in Clement
Park Friday to commemorate the slayings.
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Clement Park is just north of Columbine High School, but Rebel Hill overlooks the high school and the park. Zanis erected 15 crosses on the hill shortly after the Columbine massacre (pictured, left) but a relative of one of the victims took down the two crosses representing the two high school gunmen.
District Judge Richard P. Matsch said Thursday that the new location did
not infringe on Zanis' right to free speech, as he had claimed in a
lawsuit against the district.
Park officials had said that they were concerned about devoting
resources to issues and agendas from outside the Columbine
community.
Backed by the Rutherford Institute, a Virginia-based
civil-liberties group that fights for religious freedom, Zanis
had asked Matsch to overrule park officials.
Two teen gunmen killed 12 students and a teacher before taking
their own lives on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Jefferson County.
School officials plan a 30-minute ceremony in Clement
Park Friday to commemorate the slayings.
- April 18, 2001: Columbine Cross-Maker Threatens Lawsuit
Copyright 2002 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
