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Religion & Law

: Religion Clause

Nativity Scene To Go Up Without Opposition In Illinois Capitol Building

By Howard M. Friedman

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A press release issued yesterday by the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) reports that a privately funded Nativity Scene will be displayed starting next week until after Christmas in the East Hall of the Illinois state Capitol Building. The unveiling ceremony will include a prayer and Christmas carols. Choirs will perform near the display throughout the Christmas season. The Secretary of State's office approved the display, apparently on the theory that this area of the Capitol is a designated public forum open to all. Dan Zanoza, Chairman of the SNSC, said: "The Nativity Scene is primarily meant to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. We are also hoping to demonstrate that such expressions of religious faith in the public square are legal under both the U.S. and Illinois State Constitutions." In support of that position, he cited a 1989 federal district court decision that upheld a creche on Daley Plaza. (Grutzmacher v. Public Bldg. Com., 700 F. Supp. 1497 [LEXIS link]). The ACLU is not opposing the Capitol display, saying: "anybody can express their message there and frankly there is room in that space for lots of different messages." (Suburban Chicago Daily Herald, 11/18).

Full post as published by Religion Clause on November 29, 2008 (boomark / email).