Nativity Scene at City Hall

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Posted Wednesday --- December 12, 2007 -- 10:51am

Nativity scene put up at City Hall

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- There's a new addition at Green Bay City Hall today -- Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.

The mayor, City Council president and vice-president put up a nativity display after a city advisory committee voted to take a chance on possible legal action from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Council President Chad Fradette says people of all faiths can put up religious symbols at City Hall.

Fradette learned Peshtigo got a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation about the nativity in its city park. The foundation warned it was a constitutional law violation.

Green Bay City Attorney Allison Swanson says local leaders should proceed with caution.

The full City Council is expected to take up the nativity proposal next Tuesday. But, the local leaders decided to go ahead and put up the nativity scene anyway.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Melissa Location: Beloit on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:10 AM
Way to go Green Bay!! I understand everyone has a right to their beliefs but soemwhere along the way, my right to believe in God and celebrate Christmas has been pushed away due to "offending" others. Well I am offended that I can't celebrate my religious beliefs. I don't force others to believe what I do but I have just as many rights as all the others to my religious freedoms! Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the season!I don't tell my friends that have other beliefs that they cannot mention them and they have no problem with me wishing them a Merry Christmas!We accept each other as we are and true friendship depends on that.More people need to remember that it doesn't matter what you say, what matters is that you are saying it from your heart and truly mean it!Happy Holidays to all. Merry Christmas to all.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 12, 2007 at 02:21 PM
Stu you make a good point, but then I think there is going to be a real problem with "any one" putting up what ever they think is appropriate as a holiday display. Who decides if it is "acceptable"? Who is responsible if something happens with the display? Are the people who put up the current one going to be reimbursed for the nativity? Are they donating it to the city? If that is the case, then it is tax dollars maintaining it. I am just pointing out some problems - I will happily put up a display of MY religion - although I am wondering if Christians will oppose it because it contridicts their religion.

Posted by: Stu on Dec 12, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Anonymous, he said people of all faiths can put up displays. I don't recall the article saying the taxpayers would pay for them. Good, then the Freedom from Religion freaks will have many different religions to try and fight.

Posted by: Dawn on Dec 12, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Good for them!!! If somebody doesn't like it, don't look at it.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 12, 2007 at 12:08 PM
To Lori, and all the others that are going to cheer this event. Just remember that "Council President Chad Fradette says people of all faiths can put up religious symbols at City Hall" - so be prepared to be equally as accepting of the Wiccan festival displays, Jewish holiday displays, mormon displays, etc., paid for with your tax dollars, just like the christmas nativity display.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 12, 2007 at 12:06 PM
It is about time people stand up for what they believe in! Why should we let 15% of America dictate what we believe in. One Nation under GOD!

Posted by: Steve Location: Madison, WI on Dec 12, 2007 at 12:00 PM
If more cities, towns, and organizations were to stand up and call the bluff of Freedom from Religion Foundation, they would lose their credibility. There are many law firms and advocacy groups that will represent you for free in order to avoid the fear of legal costs in challenging frivolous lawsuits. Let this be the start of a move in the right direction!

Posted by: M Location: Barneveld on Dec 12, 2007 at 11:53 AM
The nativity set is 100% appropriate in my opinion. The reason we celebrate this season has been lost due to people being "offended" by our beliefs. We celebrate CHRISTMAS... not the "Holidays." We are celebrating Christ's birth. We are supposed to respect everyone's religious beliefs, but respect can't be shown for our Lord? I think it's awesome that Madison's city council "took the chance" and stood up for the true reason Christmas is celebrated.

Posted by: Lori Location: Madison,WI on Dec 12, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Good for Green Bay! It's time Americans were given back their freedom. Particularly our right to celebrate and honor Christmas as we wish. Even if that includes a nativity scene. God Bless America!

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Dec 12, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Since we are on this issue, didn't it seem like when values and religion played a bigger part in society there didn't seem to be as many crazy crimes happening. People push religion away more and more everyday, but losing something to believe in often times will result in losing the reason to live.

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