Creche moving to borough building in Canonsburg
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The nativity scene in front of the Canonsburg borough building has withstood wintry weather and the criticism of at least one resident, who complained the display was "disrespectful" to the borough's non-Christians, which prompted its relocation.
But could it stand up to the scrutiny of a court?
That was the question the borough council grappled with at a meeting Monday night, when council members voted unanimously to move the nativity scene to the front of the borough building and to install other secular holiday symbols, such as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, snowflakes and candy canes.
The creche, which is owned and installed by the Knights of Columbus, was placed on private property last week after resident Megan Hartley wrote a letter to the borough saying she found the display to be "disrespectful" to the borough's non-Christians. After consulting with the borough solicitor, manager Terry Hazlett made the decision to relocate the creche to avoid a lawsuit.
The relocation prompted an uproar from residents, and the borough building was inundated with calls from protesting people.
Ms. Hartley, who could not be reached for comment, did not threaten a lawsuit, nor has anyone else.
Nonetheless, council members were concerned. At the meeting, council member A.J. Williams, who said he researched the issue with other residents, presented a possible solution that might provide the borough a line of defense against litigation. In the U.S. Supreme Court case Lynch v. Donnelly (1984), the court ruled that a nativity scene was constitutional on public property because it was part of a holiday display that included secular holiday symbols, such as reindeers and dancing bears. Essentially the court said if you're going to make room for baby Jesus, you have to leave space for Santa Claus, too.
First Published December 16, 2010 6:34 am
