Teh One Who Knocks
06-14-2012, 09:48 PM
KTLA News
http://i.imgur.com/swsgX.jpg
SANTA MONICA (KTLA) -- Santa Monica officials voted to ban nativity scenes at its Palisades Park amid mounting tension between atheists and the devout.
The Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday evening to do away with an exception that had let churches, synagogues, atheists and others set up displays in the park at Christmas time.
The scenes showing the birth of Jesus Christ has been a tradition in the park that runs along Ocean Avenue.
In the past, there were 14 life-size displays depicting traditional religious scenes. All together, the nativity took up two blocks.
But last year, the display was reduced to a miniature version of what it had been like for some 57 years.
The city received a record number of requests for space, so it was forced to use a lottery system.
The traditionalists won two spots, which was enough for three scenes out of the usual 14.
At least 18 spots went to so-called "out-of-towners."
Atheist Raymond McNealy, of Burbank, won nine spots. He said he was outraged that a church organization was demanding exclusive rights on public property, and others echoed his sentiments.
But some were upset that the holiday tradition had been derailed.
As the controversy intensified, residents told city officials they were concerned about First Amendment issues, and city staff received threats.
The City Council voted to discontinue the lottery and put an end to the displays in order to avoid any future conflict.
http://i.imgur.com/swsgX.jpg
SANTA MONICA (KTLA) -- Santa Monica officials voted to ban nativity scenes at its Palisades Park amid mounting tension between atheists and the devout.
The Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday evening to do away with an exception that had let churches, synagogues, atheists and others set up displays in the park at Christmas time.
The scenes showing the birth of Jesus Christ has been a tradition in the park that runs along Ocean Avenue.
In the past, there were 14 life-size displays depicting traditional religious scenes. All together, the nativity took up two blocks.
But last year, the display was reduced to a miniature version of what it had been like for some 57 years.
The city received a record number of requests for space, so it was forced to use a lottery system.
The traditionalists won two spots, which was enough for three scenes out of the usual 14.
At least 18 spots went to so-called "out-of-towners."
Atheist Raymond McNealy, of Burbank, won nine spots. He said he was outraged that a church organization was demanding exclusive rights on public property, and others echoed his sentiments.
But some were upset that the holiday tradition had been derailed.
As the controversy intensified, residents told city officials they were concerned about First Amendment issues, and city staff received threats.
The City Council voted to discontinue the lottery and put an end to the displays in order to avoid any future conflict.