GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) — A group that works to protect the rights of non-religious Americans is calling for Harrison County to remove a Nativity scene inside the Gulfport courthouse.
The Sun Herald reports the Washington, D.C.-based American Humanist Association says the Nativity scene that’s been in place since Nov. 30 is unconstitutional and must be removed.
The AHA says the Nativity is dominated by Christian elements.
“Nativity scenes in courthouses, like any blatantly religious display on public property, show government favoritism toward religion and to Christianity in particular,” Monica Miller, senior counsel at the Appignani Humanist Legal Center, said in a news release. “Numerous courts, including the Supreme Court, have found these Christian displays in violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.”
The demand letter sent to Harrison County this week references the AHAs recent victory in Baxter County, Arkansas, regarding a similar courthouse Nativity found unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court in Arkansas.
Harrison County attorney Tim Holleman says the scene was purchased by county employees and has been displayed for years.
Holleman says county supervisors will discuss the group’s letter at their meeting on Monday.
Be the first to comment