Atheist Group Wants to Place a Sign Next to a Nativity Scene in Warren

WARREN, Mich. (WJBK) - You may have heard this argument before, that a nativity scene or any display of religious symbol on public ground is a violation of church and state. In Warren, a man wants to challenge the argument a step further by displaying a 'certain' sign right next to the nativity scene.

Play the video to get the report from Fox 2's Taryn Asher.

Douglas Marshall is a member of the Freedom from Religion Foundation.  His group claims Warren Mayor Jim Fouts is discriminating and engaging in unlawful censorship.

At the base of their argument is the placement of a nativity scene at Warren's City Hall.  Marshall says if they're going to display it then they must also allow for displays that represent other viewpoints on religion.

The group wants to place a sign that reads:

"At this season of the Winter Solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."  The other side reads: "STATE/CHURCH: Keep Them Separate."

UPDATE 12/21: Mayor Fouts has sent a letter of response to the Freedom from Religion Foundation.  In the letter, Fouts writes, "Everyone has a right to believe or not believe in a particular belief system, but no organization has the right to disparage the beliefs of many Warren and U.S. citizens because of their beliefs.  Thus, I cannot and will not sanction the desecration of religion in the Warren City Hall atrium.   Click here to read the entire letter »

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