Since 2012, Thomas More Society has provided legal support to American Nativity Scene and partnered annually to provide nativity scenes for display on public property—particularly state capitol buildings across the country. This long-running project seeks to place nativity scenes inside or on the property of all 50 state capitols in the United States during the Christmas season. We have partnered to bring Christ into the public square each Christmas to celebrate the reason for the season, and to protect our First Amendment right to religious expression in the public forum.
Thomas More Society attorneys defend our precious freedoms of religious speech and free exercise of religion in the public square. Our attorneys defend the basic rights of nativity scene sponsors free-of-charge and equip citizens with the knowledge and support they need to successfully display nativity scenes in venues that qualify as traditional and designated public forums.
Today, 43 state capitols have annual nativity scenes during Christmas, either inside of the capitol building or displayed on the property. In the remaining seven states, we continue to work to make nativities a reality in all 50 state capitols. All that is necessary to make it happen is a small group of people in each state. A generous benefactor offers the American Nativity Scene figurines free of charge for the volunteers who file for permits to display, and volunteers build their own creche for display. Many organize a prayer service, ceremony, or a caroling event for the unveiling of the nativity scenes.
"The Christmas message bears secular as well as religious significance. It highlights the hope and miracle of birth and new life, the inherent dignity of each and every human being, focusing our attention on the humble and lowly infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.” —Tom Brejcha, Founder & President, Thomas More Society
Nativity scenes—even on public property (despite common misconceptions)—are perfectly legal and, in fact, protect by the First Amendment. There is a permanent federal injunction banning discrimination against religious speech assures that the Christmas creches are protected from erroneous applications of the widely misunderstood concept of “separation of church and state." While each Christmas season brings controversies, including challenges by atheists, secularists and even Satanists, Thomas More Society stands supports the legal rights of American Nativity Scene as it remains dedicated to keeping faith in the public square during the Christmas season.
The following states still need faithful citizens to file permits for and set up nativity scenes in their state capitols.
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Tennessee
If you or anyone you know would like to help place a nativity scene in the above states, please contact Ed O'Malley, President of American Nativity Scene, at ed.omalley@comcast.net.