GIG HARBOR, WA, – Today, the national law firm First Liberty Institute sent a letter to legal counsel for the City of Gig Harbor urging the city to restore its tradition of including a nativity scene in Gig Harbor’s yearly holiday display, despite a complaint by an extremist group. View the letter
In the letter, First Liberty offered to meet with the city’s leadership to clarify First Amendment law as it applies to holiday displays that include religious symbols.
First Liberty explained that under clear precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court, the city may continue its tradition of including a nativity scene in its holiday display and remain well within the requirements of the law. First Liberty represents John Skansi, the local man who owns the crèche traditionally used in the city’s display.
First Liberty also explained that the legal requirements for having a nativity scene in Gig Harbor’s holiday display are straightforward and easy to implement.
“This is a standard pattern occurring across the country: a radical group will complain to the local government about a nativity scene in a holiday display, and the government will immediately surrender out of fear of legal trouble,” Roger Byron, Senior Counsel for First Liberty, says. “This is sad and flagrantly un-American. The U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that such a display is perfectly lawful and has been for decades.”
About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact Kassie Dulin, Director of Legal Communications for First Liberty Institute. Email: kdulin@firstliberty.org, Direct: 972-941-9575, Cell: 214-542-4334.
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To download this press release, click here.
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