2012 Victories: The Constitution Protects Nativity Scenes on Public Land

A nativity scene is displayed outside the U.S. Capitol building before a news conference to encourage people to apply for permits to display nativity scenes at public buildings across the nation during the Christmas season in Washington

This is the latest installment in a year-end series looking back at a few of the hundreds of victories by the ACLJ in 2012. As Christmas approaches, we see them in storefronts, on lawns, and at city halls and town squares all across America. Yet in one small middle America city, the Crèche or Nativity Scene was not allowed on city leased property during. The city refused to allow a live nativity during a public festival in December. Earlier this year, we worked with a local city council... Continue Reading

Filed in: Christmas Laws | by CeCe Heil | 5:37 PM May. 22, 2012

New Ordinance Allows Nativity Scene on Public Property

We were contacted this past December by a Chelsea, MI Council Member who asked us to assist in drafting an ordinance to regulate private use of public space. He contacted us because Chelsea would not allow a live nativity scene on city-leased property during a December festival. Councilman Anderson wanted an ordinance in place to protect such activities. As such, he contacted ACLJ attorneys who were able to provide him with information regarding the First Amendment and the Equal Access Act. Spe... Continue Reading

Filed in: Christmas Laws | by Jay Sekulow | 11:00 PM Dec. 19, 2010

UPDATE: Nativity Display Going Back Up in PA

We're pleased to report that the council members of the Borough of Canonsburg, a suburb of Pittsburgh, have voted unanimously to put back up a Nativity display in front of the Borough building. As you'll recall, we told you a couple of weeks ago that we were contacted by a pastor in the community who wanted our input and assistance after the Borough pulled the Nativity display following a complaint by one resident who said the Nativity display is "highly disrespectful to the citizens of the borough (who) are not Christians." We immediately sent an information letter to the Borough Solicitor - outlining the law and explaining how the Nativity scene could be displayed in a constitutional manner. Our letter is posted here.Now, good news to report. By a unanimous vote, the council has agreed to bring back the Nativity display - in front of the Borough building. At the same time, a Christmas tree, wreaths and other holiday decorations will be added to the display. We're delighted that... Continue Reading

Filed in: Christmas Laws | by Jay Sekulow | 11:00 PM Dec. 7, 2010

Keeping the Nativity Display in Christmas

In a Pittsburgh suburb, community leaders in the Borough of Canonsburg wanted to continue with a half-century old tradition of displaying a Nativity scene in town. For 57 years, the Knights of Columbus has displayed a Nativity scene in front of the municipal building with the permission of the Borough. Well, this year - it happened. A resident complained - sending a letter to the Borough contending that the nativity display is "highly disrespectful to the citizens of the borough (who) are not Christians." Many in the community were outraged. The Nativity scene was put up - not in front of the Borough building - but at another location. Not long after the controversy began, we were contacted by a local pastor who asked us for assistance. We have sent the Borough of Canonsburg a detailed informational letter that explains the law and how the municipality can set-up a Nativity display in front of the Borough building in accordance with the law. The fact is that displaying a Nativ... Continue Reading