Last December, the state capitol building in Olympia, WA was host to a chaotic battle over the right to display (among other things) symbols of religious holidays. Rather than seek to ban such expression, the state allowed all, and the result was a forum featuring everything from a nativity scene, to an atheist message to a Festivus pole. This year, officials are moving early to head off a similar outcome.
The policy, which took effect today, does not allow any nongovernmental displays in any building on Capitol grounds. But it does allow such displays outside, on campus grounds.
"We want to preserve everyone's right to free expression. We just want to make sure we manage things better than they went last year," said Steve Valandra, spokesman for the Department of General Administration.
The policy applies to any private organization or individual.
