Same group that is trying to make a fuss in Athens, Texas over a nativity scene.
http://www.texasinsider.org/?p=56624
Will they hit Strawn, Texas next?
We have four parks at the main four in town. One has Christmas trees, one has Santa Claus and large gift boxes. One has Santa Claus’ sleigh suspended in the trees, and one has a nativity scene on a small strip of the civil war monument. It is put up by private workers and private funds which are noted on the creche.
Suburban Chicago, Illinois
Lawsuit threat means Alsip Christmas tradition gets crossed off
BY STEVE METSCH
smetsch@southtownstar.com
Last Modified: Nov 20, 2012 02:13AM
To avoid what could be a costly lawsuit, the village of Alsip will break with tradition and not erect a cross on its water tower near the Tri-State Tollway this holiday season.
The cross had been a fixture since the 1970s, Mayor Patrick Kitching said Monday. But after the Freedom from Religion Foundation, based in Madison, Wis., advised Kitching it would file a lawsuit demanding removal of the cross, citing separation of church and state, Kitching decided to not wage a losing and likely costly legal battle.
Freedom From Religion Foundation co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor said the group acted on a complaint received last year from an unidentified Alsip resident.
“We work to keep religion out of government. We try to resolve things through education and legislation, not litigation. Towns can’t put crosses on public structures such as water towers because we have separation between religion and government,” she said.
In a letter to residents and businesses, Kitching wrote: “I am very saddened by this and had hoped we would not have to change tradition. However, in these economic times, the village cannot afford to waste any tax dollars on a lawsuit that simply cannot be won.
“Other municipalities have been brought to suit regarding the very same issue and have lost. We have chosen not to waste taxpayer dollars to fight a losing battle in court.”
Contacted Monday at the village hall, Kitching said, “I know we can’t win. There’s no point in fighting it.”
He is offended by the outcome.
“I really am. It’s a tradition, and our tradition has been slapped down. They told me an anonymous person complained. I doubt that,” Kitching said. “I think they (foundation members) were driving down the tollway and saw our cross.”
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