Atheists protest Menominee's plan for Nativity scene

Associated Press

Last update: November 19, 2007 - 1:28 PM

MENOMINEE, Wis. The nation's largest group of atheists and agnostics filed a letter of protest with the city for deciding to put a Nativity scene in its bandshell.

Members of the parks and recreation committee approved the display earlier this month with the provision that non-Christians be allowed to add their symbols.

The co-president of the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation said in a letter sent Thursday that the display would violate the separation of church and state.

"It is unlawful for the city of Menominee to maintain, erect or host a display that consists solely of a nativity scene, thus singling out, showing preference for and endorsing one religion, and commemorating its most holy day,'' Annie Laurie Gaylor wrote to Menominee City Manager Eric Strahl. "Compounding this is the tax money spent on illuminating this religious scene on public property.''

City attorney Rob Jamo warned the parks committee during its meeting that the display was close to violating the separation of church and state established in the Constitution.

Information from: EagleHerald, http://www.eagleherald.com

AP-CS-11-19-07 1417EST