US appeals court rules cross, Nativity can stay in Los Angeles historic plaza

A U.S. appeals court ruled on September 29 that a cross and Nativity display can remain in El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the historic center of the city. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit issued the ruling against Jack Gerritsen, a Los Angeles resident and nonbeliever who sued the city government to have the monuments removed.

Gerritsen argued that the displays violate the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution and make him feel excluded from the public space. The court noted that Gerritsen failed to meet the requirements to justify removing the monuments, specifically failing to show he would suffer irreparable harm or that their removal would serve the public interest. This decision follows a previous ruling by a U.S. district court that also went against Gerritsen.

Local merchants near the monuments on Olvera Street joined the legal defense of the displays. Edward Flores, a cafe owner, stated that the cultural displays help people of all faiths and ethnicities take pride in their contributions. The monuments are located in the plaza marking the 1781 founding of Los Angeles.