Suit Seeks Placement Of Winter Solstice Anti-Religion Sign Next To Creche

The Freedom From Religion Foundation yesterday announced the filing of a federal court lawsuit against the city of Warren, Michigan in an attempt to require the city to place an FFRF Winter Solstice sign next to a nativity scene that is already on display in the Warren Civic Center. The sandwich-board sign reads in part: "Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."  The full text of the complaint, motion for preliminary injunction and brief in support of the motion in Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc. v. City of Warren, Michigan, (ED MI, filed 12/22/2011), recounts FFRF's efforts to have its sign displayed.  The mayor of Warren refused FFRF's request to display the sign, saying that it "is clearly anti-religion and meant to counter the religious tone of the Nativity Scene, which could lead to confrontations and a disruption of city hall." The complaint alleges that the Nativity Scene violates the Establishment Clause; and that refusal to display FFRF's sign violates the free speech clause of the 1st Amendment as well as the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.