RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — The Riverside City Council has voted to sell the public land around a cross to avoid a lawsuit on its constitutionality.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise (http://bit.ly/10QKoC1 ) reports the vote was unanimous Tuesday to auction off the land on Mount Rubidoux, after a meeting where many residents urged them not to.
A coalition of non-profit groups said previously they'd bid on the land to save the cross.
There has been a cross on the mountain since 1907, the current structure since 1963.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State last year threatened a lawsuit, claiming a religious symbol on public land is unconstitutional.
Religious symbols on public lands have drawn lawsuits and complaints around California in recent years, including Christmas displays in Santa Monica and religious symbols in San Diego County.
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Information from: The Press-Enterprise, http://www.pe.com
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