The Freedom From Religion Foundation is attempting to make its debut at the California state Capitol to counter a recently installed Christian nativity scene there.
Local FFRF members are seeking permission to put up FFRF's whimsical "nativity" cutout depicting three Founding Fathers (and the Statue of Liberty) gazing in adoration at a "baby" Bill of Rights. A sign reads: "At this Season of the Winter Solstice, join us in honoring the Bill of Rights, adopted on December 15, 1791, which reminds us there can be no religious freedom without the freedom to dissent." It ends: "Keep religion and government separate!"
FFRF is aiming to erect the display as a direct response to a nativity that went up for the first time at the Capitol a few days ago, placed by the religion-promoting Thomas More Society.
"A Christmas nativity display is at the California state Capitol on the building steps," a California newspaper reports. "The Christmas crèche, including statues of the Holy Family — Jesus, Mary and Joseph — and the Three Kings will be housed under a handcrafted wooden stable, assembled Dec. 17 and remaining on display through Dec. 26."
FFRF has been spurred into action due to this religious intrusion into the epicenter of lawmaking of the most populous and significant state in the country.
"It is inappropriate to have a sectarian religious display in the heart of state government," says FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. "We'd much prefer that the seat of government be free from religion — and irreligion. But if a devotional nativity display is allowed, there must be 'room at the inn' for all points of view, including irreverence and freethought."
FFRF hopes that its local chapter, the Greater Sacramento Chapter of FFRF, can soon get the necessary permit from California authorities so that it can bring its perspective before the residents of the state.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national state/church watchdog organization that has 25,000 members and chapters all over the country, including more than 3,000 and a chapter in California.
**Update
FFRF has received permission and, with the help of its local chapter and members, is indeed putting up the “nativity” cutout display at the state Capitol today, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m. local time. Media folks and area residents are invited to come and take a look.