Anti-Religion Sign Is Next To Creche In Capitol Under Open Forum Rules

Last October, the Alliance Defense Fund settled a suit it had brought against Washington state on behalf of private citizen Ron Wesselius who wished to put up a Nativity Scene in the state Capitol building next to a menorah and holiday tree that were previously approved. Under the settlement (see prior posting), Capitol campus facilities would be made available for public use on a non-discriminatory basis. Yesterday's Seattle Times reports that, taking advantage of that open forum designation, the Freedom from Religion Foundation has put up a sign for December at the Capitol reading in part: "Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds." Because a similar sign placed in the Wisconsin capitol is frequently turned around by those who object to it, the Washington sign has an inscription on the back: "State/Church; Keep Them Separate." A Nativity scene is also being put up near the sign by Ron Wesselius, plaintiff in last year's settled case.