It's a debate over a nativity scene. One Shelby County city has been displaying it for years. Now a few people are objecting calling it unconstitutional. Columbiana's mayor has taken action that he hopes will silence those critics.
Signs of the holiday season welcome visitors at city boards and buildings all over central Alabama. But in Columbiana, make no mistake, Jesus is the reason for the season.
This nativity scene is on city property.
“We're recognizing God and Christ who… they've watched over the city since it was incorporated,” said Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe.
Mayor Lowe first had a manger placed on city property seven years ago.
But last year, a woman visiting the city and a Washington D.C. group that advocates the separation of church and state complained.
In a letter to the mayor, the group wrote: “The U.S. Supreme Court has held that government may not sponsor a holiday display featuring a creche standing alone because it had the effect of endorsing a Christian message.”
So Mayor Lowe recruited organizations to sponsor seasonal displays and drafted a display policy.
“It's the law so we have to be in compliance with it,” said Mayor Lowe.
A city board purchased the brand new baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary.
However, a sign says the First Baptist Church of Columbiana is sponsoring the display.
Reporter: It's owned by the city so how do you get around that it's sponsored by another organization?
Mayor Lowe responded, “I really don't see a difference. It just pushes the buttons that have to be pushed according to the supreme court ruling.”
But Americans United for Separation of Church and State disagree. In a telephone interview, their legal director, Ayesha Khan said quote, “It does not seem like the problem has been corrected. There is a problem with ownership and who sets it up.”
Khan she plans to send a follow up letter to Mayor Lowe. He says he would be surprised if the first draft of his policy passed the inspection of those who opposed the display.
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