Michigan Town Will Vote On Creche Display

The Nov. 6 ballot in Berkley, Michigan will include a proposed Charter Amendment that would require the city to display a Nativity scene on city hall property every year from the Monday following Thanksgiving until January 6. (See prior related posting.) The ballot measure calls for the display to also include gift packages, colored lights, a "Seasons Greetings" sign, and a Santa Claus figure. Last year, after the ACLU raised objections to the city's traditional creche display, city council ultimately decided to turn it over to local churches to display on a rotating basis. (See prior posting.) This led to the formation of Berkley Citizens Vote YES to Christmas Holiday that is backing the ballot measure. Today's Berkley Daily Tribune reports that Berkley Mayor Marilyn Stephen and a majority of City Council members have signed a letter opposing the ballot proposal.