The famous 9/11 cross found amid the ruins of the World Trade Center would become a national monument under legislation proposed by a New York congressman.

Rep. Michael Grimm (R-SI) said he’s pushing for protective status for the interlocking 20-foot steel beams in response to a lawsuit filed by the group American Atheists, which argues a “Christian icon” shouldn’t be in the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

“This cross was a symbol of hope and freedom at a time when New Yorkers were coping with . . . the aftermath of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil,” Grimm said. He described the atheists’ opposition as “reprehensible.”

The cross was moved during reconstruction to a location outside St. Peter’s Church. But in July, it was transported back to the WTC site and lowered into the museum.