The Freedom From Religion Foundation has persuaded the town of Century, Fla., to halt a proposal to put a nativity scene on public property.
FFRF took issue with the town of Century's planned erection and maintenance of a nativity scene at the town hall back in July. Town of Century Council President Ann Brooks initially told reporters "we all want a manger scene," and said that the council had been budgeting funds to purchase such a display. In a July 20 letter to Brooks, FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel pointed out that "not all Century residents want a manger scene."
"There are ample private and church grounds where religious displays may be freely placed. Once the Council enters into the religion business, conferring endorsement and preference for one religion over others, it strikes a blow at religious liberty, forcing taxpayers of all faiths and of no religion to support a particular expression of worship," added Seidel.
A Dec. 6 news story in the North Escambia confirmed FFRF's victory: "The Town of Century has declared their nativity scene as surplus property and will sell it to the highest bidder, months after an attorney for a Wisconsin group that represents agnostics and atheists sent letters to the town claiming that a nativity display on public property is illegal."