News Release
For Immediate Release: 11.11.25
Contact: Natalie Konstans, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Nativity Restored: Ohio City Backtracks from Ban on Religious Imagery on Public Green During Holiday Farmers Market Event
The City’s about-face comes after receiving demand letter and unflattering attention over the city’s unconstitutional rule.
Pataskala, OH—The City of Pataskala, Ohio will now allow Susan Conley to set up a live nativity scene on the City’s Veterans Green as part of a holiday-themed farmers market scheduled this December. Pataskala officials initially denied Ms. Conley’s request due to the religious nature of the nativity, but reversed after First Liberty Institute and law firm Jones Day sent them a letter pointing out the constitutional flaws in their decision.
“We are grateful that the City administration recognized that the Constitution protects Ms. Conley’s right to put up a nativity at the farmers market,” said Nate Kellum, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “Pataskala cannot ban religious displays on public property just because they’re religious.”
Susan Conley, with the approval of the City, has personally organized local farmers markets on the Veterans Green in Pataskala, Ohio for many years. She invites local vendors to market and sell homemade items, as well as local artists to perform live music. This year, Susan wants to host a Christmas-themed farmers market, and, as part of this event, she wishes to place a live nativity scene on the Veterans Green to celebrate the Christmas season. The City originally rejected her request stating, “All items are fine except live nativity cannot be on any property owned or leased by the city,” despite allowing other forms of public expression on the Veterans Green. But once the unconstitutionality of this stance was made public, the city reversed course and agreed to allow the religious display. The event will be held December 12.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact Natalie Konstans at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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