Government Displays Bring Interesting Competition

Written by Don Byrd
One reason among many to oppose government displays that are overtly religious, even during the holidays, is because the appearance of religious endorsement by the government marginalizes those who don’t share in the beliefs. In recent years, those marginalized citizens have adopted a new tactic, akin to: “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” Adherents of minority faiths and proponents of atheism are asking for equal space to spread their own message alongside the rest.

In Florida, that means a “Festivus” pole (from a holiday celebration invented by writers of the TV show Seinfeld), made of empty beer cans, has joined the Nativity Scene and other religious displays at the state capitol in Tallahassee.

6th Circuit Rejects Challenge to Winter Holiday Display

Written by Don Byrd
A unanimous panel of the 6th Circuit today affirmed the constitutionality of the yearly Nativity Scene displayed by the city of Warren, Michigan because it is “accompanied by…secular and seasonal symbols.” The ruling dismisses a challenge by the Freedom From Religion Foundation that argued the display improperly promoted and established religion, and asking for the inclusion of an anti-religious message.

Some key quotes from the opinion, rejecting FFRF’s argument and request.

Modeling the virtues of Christmas

View text as PDF Written by J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director What do Barnes & Noble, Foot Locker, L.L. Bean, Old Navy, Office Depot and Radio Shack have in common? They are all against “Christmas” — at least according to the American Family Association,...

The advent of Christmas craziness

By J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director View as PDF Holiday festivities began this year long before Thanksgiving. Christmas trees were cut and ready to be sold, pre-Christmas sales were already being advertised, and I listened to piped-in Christmas music as I stood...