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Anti-Religion Sign Is Next To Creche In Capitol Under Open Forum Rules

By Howard M. Friedman

Last October, the Alliance Defense Fund settled a suit it had brought against Washington state on behalf of private citizen Ron Wesselius who wished to put up a Nativity Scene in the state Capitol building next to a menorah and holiday tree that were previously approved. Under the settlement (see prior posting), Capitol campus facilities would be made available for public use on a non-discriminatory basis. Yesterday's Seattle Times reports that, taking advantage of that open forum designation, the Freedom from Religion Foundation has put up a sign for December at the Capitol reading in part: "Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds." Because a similar sign placed in the Wisconsin capitol is frequently turned around by those who object to it, the Washington sign has an inscription on the back: "State/Church; Keep Them Separate." A Nativity scene is also being put up near the sign by Ron Wesselius, plaintiff in last year's settled case.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 02, 2008 (boomark / email).