Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Mr. Mayor:
In ALLEGHENY COUNTY v. GREATER PITTSBURGH ACLU (1989) the Supreme Court ruled that a Christian nativity scene, even if donated by an outside party, does violate the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, particularly when displayed on its own without reference to other traditions or viewpoints such as the one you rejected regarding Solstice.
You are sworn to uphold the Constitution, thus you are prohibited from endorsing a particular religious viewpoint or even favoring religion in general over non-religion. By allowing this nativity scene on public property you are endorsing Christianity. And by rejecting an alternative non-religious viewpoint as "inappropriate", you are sending an unambiguous message that the government of your city favors Christianity over non-religious views, including those of Atheists such as myself.
Your favoritism towards religion and your opposition towards Atheism could not be more clear, and it is wrong. There are plenty of Christian churchyards with room for a Christian display. You were elected to the position of Mayor, not to the position of clergy.
I respectfully ask that you reconsider the installation of this nativity scene on public taxpayer-funded property and remove it immediately. I await your reply and prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Michael P Allen
Ohio State Director
American Atheists
