ANN ARBOR, MI – The Berkley, Michigan City Council last night voted 6-to-1 to no longer display a Nativity scene on city property. The City caved in to an ACLU threat of a lawsuit if they continued their decades-old Nativity display. Some residents claim that the Nativity display had been on city property for more than 60 years.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, commented, “The City Council crushed the crèche. Despite all of its rationalizing last night, the council did a disservice to its residents by allowing itself to be intimidated by the ACLU. The plain facts are that the city received a threat from the ACLU and in response to that threat removed this universal symbol of Christmas. No amount of explanation will excuse their cowardice. It makes me wonder what they’re going to do with the church steeple on their City logo. Shame on them.”

Last month, the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, sent a letter to Berkley’s city officials offering to defend the City at no charge should the ACLU file its lawsuit. The Law Center encouraged the City to keep the Nativity scene as part of its annual holiday display - especially since the Nativity scene could legally be displayed on city property. On November 9, 2006, trial counsel for the Thomas More Law Center, Edward L. White III, attended a meeting of the City’s “Ad Hoc Holiday Display Committee” and again conveyed the same message.

White spoke at last night’s council meeting, and again urged them to maintain the Nativity scene as part of the City’s annual display. White pointed out that the neighboring city of Clawson’s Nativity display had been challenged in court and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which governs Michigan, had ruled that the Nativity could be displayed legally on city property.

Although citizens were permitted to speak, it was obvious that the Council Members had made up their minds beforehand, since most read from prepared written statements when explaining their votes.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.