Cranford, NJ – American Atheists is disappointed in the Second Circuit’s ruling Monday to affirm the dismissal of its case against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey regarding the equal representation of atheists in the 9/11 National Museum.
“The Court relied on the words of religious persons, ignoring statements to the contrary from atheists, that a Christian cross is comforting to the non-religious population. The opposite is true.” said American Atheists President David Silverman.
“Atheists died on 9/11, members of our organization suffered in lower Manhattan on that day, and our members helped with the rescue and recovery efforts–yet we are denied equal representation in the National Museum. There are no better examples of Christian privilege and prejudice in this country than this decision and the refusal of the museum commission to work with us to honor atheists who died and suffered on 9/11,” said Silverman.
American Atheists filed the lawsuit in New York Supreme Court on July 27, 2011. The organization has not yet decided whether to appeal the ruling.
