The Freedom From Religion Foundation has once more, with the able assistance of a member, created an equal space for secularism at an Illinois courthouse.
A Bill of Rights “nativity” display has again been installed by vigilant FFRF Member Will Meyer (pictured in the shot above) next to a Christian nativity scene at the Grundy County Courthouse, not far from Chicago. It will be available for public viewing until Jan. 2.
A sign next to the exhibit proclaims: “Happy Winter Solstice. At this Season of the Winter Solstice, we honor reason and the Bill of Rights (adopted Dec. 15, 1791).” At the bottom, it reads: “Keep State & Church Separate.”
The display embodies the commitment of members of the state/church watchdog, who often put together such installations in their hometowns to counter religious tableaus on public land. FFRF helps out by providing the materials. With the help of its ever-watchful membership, the Freedom From Religion Foundation is making freethought’s presence felt around the country during the holidays — especially when there’s religious intrusion into the public sphere.
“We’d much prefer that government property, judicial or otherwise, be free from religion — and irreligion,” says FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. “But if a devotional nativity display is allowed, there must be ‘room at the inn’ for all points of view, including irreverence and freethought.”
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is the largest national association of freethinkers (atheists and agnostics) with over 35,000 members and several chapters all over the country, including more than 1,000 members and a Chicago chapter in the state of Illinois. Our purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.