Over 50 years ago, a devout Christian and member of the Albany Lions Club asked the Club to fabricate a large lighted steel and plexiglass cross on his private land and maintain it in perpetuity. The cross was constructed and dedicated on Easter 1971.
In a January 29, 2024 decision, an Alameda County Superior Court Judge approved the removal of the cross on Albany Hill, holding that the Lions Club cannot assert a Free Exercise of Religion claim because “The Lions Club has not shown that its organizational purpose, its mission, involves promoting religious activities.”
Brad Dacus the President and Founder of Pacific Justice Institute has added that, “The first amendment of the constitution protects individuals and private entities from such blatant state hostility to those wishing to express symbols of faith and hope. We at PJI are committed to defending such constitutionally protected expression.”
The Albany Lions’ Club with the support and assistance of the Pacific Justice Institute is fighting in court to right this wrong.
