Dec. 10, 2007
Ohio Governor Orders Park Nativity Scene Displayed
ACLU Says Certain Nativity Scenes Within Law
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Writer
Portsmouth, Ohio (HNN) – A Nativity Scene controversy at the Shawnee State Lodge has a mandated ending courtesy of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.
The problem erupted after a Columbus man apparently complained about equality of religions in displays at state parks.
After a letter to the business manager of Ohio State parks regarding symbols of religion, an order came down to remove the nativity scene which the Garden Club has provided. the letter told all start parks in the state to take down their nativity decorations.
On Friday, Dec. 7, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland intervened.
Under current law, government entities (city halls, courts, public schools, etc) can generally acknowledge religious holidays so long as they do not create an impression of endorsement of religion by the government, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Strickland issued an order mandating that Shawnee and all state parks continue their traditional nativity displays.
And he appears to be well within the law, according to the ACLU. "Just because a nativity scene or other religious display appears on government property does not necessarily mean that it is owned or is being displayed by the government, using tax dollars. Many local and some state governments have within their boundaries public areas whereby citizens are permitted to erect displays, including those of a religious nature, of their own choice" says the Ohio ACLU web site.
Ohio Governor Orders Park Nativity Scene Displayed
ACLU Says Certain Nativity Scenes Within Law
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Writer
Portsmouth, Ohio (HNN) – A Nativity Scene controversy at the Shawnee State Lodge has a mandated ending courtesy of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.
The problem erupted after a Columbus man apparently complained about equality of religions in displays at state parks.
After a letter to the business manager of Ohio State parks regarding symbols of religion, an order came down to remove the nativity scene which the Garden Club has provided. the letter told all start parks in the state to take down their nativity decorations.
On Friday, Dec. 7, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland intervened.
Under current law, government entities (city halls, courts, public schools, etc) can generally acknowledge religious holidays so long as they do not create an impression of endorsement of religion by the government, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Strickland issued an order mandating that Shawnee and all state parks continue their traditional nativity displays.
And he appears to be well within the law, according to the ACLU. "Just because a nativity scene or other religious display appears on government property does not necessarily mean that it is owned or is being displayed by the government, using tax dollars. Many local and some state governments have within their boundaries public areas whereby citizens are permitted to erect displays, including those of a religious nature, of their own choice" says the Ohio ACLU web site.
