The Freedom From Religion Foundation’s annual Winter Solstice exhibit became available for public viewing at the Wisconsin Capitol today, Dec. 3, for a remarkable 23rd year running.
The display has a few components. A sign features FFRF’s traditional message by its principal founder Anne Nicol Gaylor. It was created as an equal-time challenge to combat religious dogmatism at the heart of state government and reads:
At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail.
There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell.
There is only our natural world.
Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.
A major part of the exhibit for the fourth year in the first floor rotunda is FFRF’s whimsical Bill of Rights “nativity.” The irreverent cutout by artist Jacob Fortin depicts founders Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington gazing in adoration at a “baby” Bill of Rights while the Statue of Liberty looks on.
A sign beside the wry nativity scene 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. Keep religion and government separate!
The exhibit is permitted to be up until the end of December.
Occurring on Dec. 21 this year, the Winter Solstice marks the shortest, darkest day of the year, heralding the symbolic rebirth of the sun. It has been celebrated for millennia in the Northern Hemisphere with festivals of light, evergreens, gift exchanges and seasonal gatherings.
“Religious people are not the only ones with a reason to celebrate at this time of the year,” says FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. “Nonobservant folks have an occasion to make merry in December, too.”
The national state/church watchdog, based in Madison, Wis., has approximately 32,000 members and several chapters all over the country, including almost 1,500 and the Kenosha Racine Atheists & Freethinkers (KRAFt) chapter in Wisconsin.
Thanks to FFRF Legal Assistant Whitney Steffen, Legal Fellow Colin McNamara and Chris Line (photographer) for placing the signs.
