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Atheist Questions State Funding for Cross Landmark
ALTO PASS, Ill. (AP) -- A Chicago-area atheist activist isn't happy that $20,000 in state money is going to an 11-story cross on southern Illinois' highest point, and he wants the landmark's overseers to give the money back or be sued.

Atheist Rob Sherman has told the group Friends of Bald of Knob Cross that a religious symbol getting taxpayer money is inappropriate.

A member of the group's administrative board told Sherman it's considering his request.

The 47-year-old cross near Alto Pass is undergoing a renovation expected to be completed this summer.

Sherman has sued over religion before, successfully challenging a state law requiring a daily "moment of silence" in Illinois public schools.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
05 27 10 by Newsroom
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