Rainbow City Community Leaders Host Nativity Scene Despite Demands From Atheist Group

Local leaders in Rainbow City, Alabama have announced their plans to erect a Nativity scene at City Hall despite demands from an atheist group not to do so.

Community leaders in Rainbow City, Alabama have said that they will host a one-night "Night at the Nativity" event at Rainbow City Hall on December 23.

The decision from community leaders to host the event comes after the Freedom From Religion Foundation argued that the city should no longer have a Nativity on City Hall grounds, as it would imply an endorsement of religion.

The city argues, however, that because community leaders are hosting the event, instead of local government leaders, it does not conflict with the Separation of Church and State.

Rep. Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City) told The Gadsden Times that the people, rather than the city, are celebrating the Nativity and Christianity.

"This is strictly a community celebration," he told the local media outlet adding that "a group of people peacefully assembling."

"I have no problem with government not endorsing religion," Butler added. "We, the people, can."

The Freedom From Religion Foundation went after Rainbow City last year for its Nativity scene, forcing the city to temporarily remove the scene after threatening litigation.

Last year, City Attorney Jim Turnbach said in a statement that the city isn't violating constitutional laws because the people are hosting the Nativity event.

"While the Freedom From Religion Foundation states correctly law applicable to religious displays, they are incorrectly applying those cases to the situation in Rainbow City," Turnbach said. "Rainbow City does not believe that the Christmas display on city property is in violation of any case law."