LOS ANGELES — A nearly century-old Christian cross and a traditional Christmas Nativity display will remain at one of Los Angeles’ most historic landmarks after a federal appeals court declined to order their removal.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a lower court’s decision denying a preliminary injunction sought by Los Angeles resident Jack Gerritsen. The September 28 ruling allows the religious displays at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, including the famous Olvera Street area, to remain while the broader lawsuit proceeds.
First Amendment Challenge Reaches Ninth Circuit
Gerritsen filed suit against the City of Los Angeles, arguing that the permanent Latin cross and seasonal Nativity display on public property violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
He sought a preliminary injunction that could have restricted the displays while the litigation continued.
A federal district court denied that request in May. Gerritsen appealed, but the Ninth Circuit concluded that the district court had not abused its discretion.
According to the appellate court, Gerritsen failed to establish the legal requirements necessary to obtain preliminary injunctive relief.
Importantly, the appeals court’s ruling does not represent a final resolution of the entire constitutional lawsuit. The litigation is expected to continue in federal district court.
Cross Has Stood at Olvera Street Since 1929
The dispute involves religious symbols deeply connected with the history of El Pueblo.
The 10-foot wooden cross at the head of Olvera Street dates to 1929, when the original cross was erected in connection with Los Angeles’ 148th anniversary.
A Nativity scene is also traditionally displayed in the Old Plaza during the Christmas season alongside the community’s longstanding Las Posadas celebration.
The Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation has sought to defend the displays, maintaining that they represent important elements of the area’s Mexican-American cultural and historical heritage.
Religious History Remains Part of Legal Debate
The case highlights an ongoing constitutional question over how governments may preserve historic religious symbols and traditions on public property without violating the Establishment Clause.
For now, however, visitors to historic El Pueblo will continue to see the cross, and the traditional Nativity display remains permitted as the federal courts consider the broader case.
For Christians and religious-liberty advocates watching the dispute, the Ninth Circuit’s ruling represents an important development — but the final legal battle over the displays is not yet over.
CNIR — Christian News & Investigative Reports
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any decisions. Source: Christian News & Investigative Reports (CNIR) — cnirbc.com Reporting the headline. Investigating the facts
