GROUP DEMANDS REMOVAL OF FAYETTE COUNTY COURTHOUSE NATIVITY SCENE
A group is calling for the removal of a nativity scene at the Fayette County Courthouse.
The American Humanist Association (AHA) has called the display an “unconstitutional endorsement for Christianity”.
The nativity display was purchased by the county three years ago and has made an appearance during the holiday season ever since. The AHA claims the display was bought with tax payer money and is an endorsement for Christianity.
Roy Speckhardt, the executive director of the American Humanist Association, told KXAN that the county “is wasting taxpayers’ money to maintain an unconstitutional Christian display that signals to non-Christians that they are unwelcome in their own community.”
In a letter to Fayette County, the association cites several cases of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that nativity scenes at courthouses are a violation of the separation of church and state. In 2015, the AHA won a lawsuit against Baxter County, Arkansas for a Christian display at a courthouse.
Fayette County has not responded to the letter as of this (Tuesday) morning.
Read the full letter to Fayette County here.
No one said you cannot display symbols of your religion, but you cannot display obvious symbols on government property. There is a big difference between a nativity scene and a green tree with lights. AND, the original words to the pledge of allegiance DID NOT contain ” under God”.
President Ulysses S. Grant declared Christmas a legal holiday in 1870. The bill to make Christmas a holiday was introduced into the House of Representatives by Rep. Burton Chauncey Cook (Illinois). It was approved and passed to the Senate on June 24, 1870. When both houses had agreed on the wording, it was passed on to President Grant, who signed it on June 28, 1870.
Try telling president elect Trump that he isn’t allowed a tree on the White House lawn next CHRISTmas and see how far that goes.
GOD bless America
Look at the hipocracy! Love and worship your God but respect the military that gave us the right to do so? So now the right we have is being tested by making someone take down what we have a RIGHT for doing? I’m not separating ANYTHING. ONE NATION UNDER GOD!
We live in the “United” states of America. Our Supreme court abides by a document our citizens have fought and died for, the Constitution. They did not die for their individual religious preferences, but for freedom of individual choice. The Supreme court states the first amendment is “the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to ‘erect a wall of separation between church and state'”. As practicing christians we love all the aspects of it, and enjoy them openly, as is our right. But like it or not, we must respect and support the document that gives us this right. Nativity scenes are a symbol of the Divine in christianity and belong on any private, non government supported property. Love and worship your God, but support the country and military that gives each of us that right.
Prove that it’s a “signal” of not welcome. That’s your (non Christian) problem to feel it’s a signal. Not us Christians. We don’t go around dictating other’s religions or beliefs (or lack there of). Nor do we try to take someone’s religion away from their country. If you dont like it, go somewhere you “feel” or “signal” a more welcoming vibe.
Wow! Forgive for they know not what they do.
I can’t understand why someone would make a fuss over a nativity scene. This is crazy. Maybe they need some education on what it means. Keep the nativity scene. You don’t like it , turn your head the other way. God bless America!
“Sic ’em”, Donald!
This is what you want to complain about? We have starving and homeless people in our community and little tiny statues get you upset? Really? And it is a waste of tax payers money?? Maybe you should do some digging into what all the state of Texas wastes money on! Get a grip, this country and that courthouse was built on the believe of Jesus Christ and his birth!!
It does need to come down……………Christmas is over! Please take good care of it so that you can put it up next year.
As for Mr. Roy Speckhardt from the American Humanist Association, we will pray for you, but we also challenge you to learn tolerance for others who may view things differently than you. So many on the political left only preach tolerance when it is a group or practice they support but it is time that respect and tolerance be shown to Christians as well.
A little research will tie the AHA with other groups that receives money’s from no other than George Soros. He is a socialist and will do anything to rid us of family values at any cost.
Hopefully the county will not bend for the few or in this case 2. And will keep the nativity seen for the many that want it. If they bend it will be for a threat of lawsuit. That’s how it works sadly. Another tradition lost because of pressure from some anti something group.
This is crazy! Don’t ppl have better things to do than worry about a manger scene?!? Jesus is the reason for the season!
Don’t remove it, this is so ridiculous! This group needs to get a life. We all have to answer to God on judgement day!
I doubt that they have standing in Fayette county. Take a vote! I still don’t buy into the “separation of church and state”. It’s not in the constitution. If people want to use comments written outside the constitution, then there are many, many other writings that are being left out. Use them all!
Separation of church and State is not in the constitution