Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has filed an amicus brief in support of the Petersburg Knights of Columbus, who are seeking to continue their tradition of hosting a Memorial Day Mass at Poplar Grove National Cemetery. The National Park Service recently denied their permit, citing a new policy memorandum that prohibits religious services on any Park Service cemetery grounds.
The Knights of Columbus have filed a lawsuit against the National Park Service for a temporary restraining order to allow them to hold their service this Memorial Day. A hearing is scheduled for today at 1:30 pm.
In his amicus brief, Miyares contends that the National Park Service policy is unlawful and asserts that the First Amendment protects the right of the Knights of Columbus to conduct their Memorial Day Mass gathering.