Nativity Scene is Back This Year at Town Hall
But the legal wrangling over a religious display on public property might not be over yet.
Photos
Just when you might've thought all was lost, Woodbridge's traditional Nativity display made its way back onto Town Hall property late Monday afternoon.
It was in its normal place on the busy corner of Main Street and Rahway Avenue. But this year, the creche display had some company.
A lit up Santa Claus, a Christmas tree of lights, and several reindeer accompanied the display on one side, while a big green "Happy Kwanzaa" sign decorated the other.
That was the township administration's nod to a protest lodged last year by the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF), a national atheist education and lobbying group in Wisconsin, about the display of a religious display on public property.
The sudden addition of secular holiday decoration to the Nativity scene this year may be an effort to diffuse what the FFRF sees as an unconstitutional government endorsement of religion.
"There may still be a liability here in what they've done and what their purpose is" in putting up the display, said Patrick Elliott, an FFRF attorney.
The township had had its Christmas decorations up at Town Hall for several days, minus the outdoor Nativity display. Late Sunday night, the grass was bare outside the municipal building.
But after phone calls and a small protest on Facebook from Woodbridge residents, upset at the McCormac administration's apparent backing down in putting up the Christmas manager display, the plywood figures were suddenly erected in a drizzling rain late Monday afternoon.
Mayor John McCormac didn't answer emails about the reason for the township's change of heart.
"Beside the legal issues, it's a little bit disturbing that they're putting up token elements of other religions," Elliott said. "The proper response is to leave religious displays off public property."
Even with the secular decorations added, Elliott said the display still has to be "analyzed in context. Have they sufficiently removed the religious message? That's what a judge would determine."
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I have spoken
6:11 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
It's about time Woodbridge did something right. Go tell Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) to KISS OFF!!!!
sandra
7:25 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
good
slyfox1961
7:38 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Outstanding! Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday's to all!
EditKitten
7:52 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
So what about my Jewish family, which doesn't share these beliefs? Shame.
maryann spager
9:52 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Don't look at it
rfm
12:12 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
I don't thin it's a shame. Happy Hanukkah to your family and friends.
Roman
8:12 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
With all do respect, just because someone doesn't believe or agree with our belief doesn't mean we should not celebrate ours. Let's remember to try and respect all traditions. Maybe call the Mayor like we did and have something done for your beliefs. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all as well.
stephen mckessy
8:32 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Finally someone stood up for our rights to celebrate the holiday its everyone's holiday. Christmas yes I said Christmas and if I offend anyone sorry about that not really MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
wetfrog18
9:13 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Everyone should send a Christmas card to this Freedom from Religion Foundation!
stephen mckessy
9:17 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Ill pay for the stamp wetfrog18
sandra
9:21 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
I am also Jewish and I am glad it is back ...So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a very Happy New Year
rfm
12:07 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
And Happy Hanukkah to you and your family and friends.
Blondie
9:30 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thank you, Sandra. Happy Hanukkah and happy New Year to you. :)
John Porcellana
3:15 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah to all and and if anyone is offended, tough- whether you are an atheist, the ACLU, or whatever you represent. These are our American religious traditions. Without religion this country will free fall into moral decay. By the way have you heard the one about the atheist who died and was all dressed up with no place to go?
Joe Bifigliano
3:53 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Religion has no place in government. Everyone is free to celebrate and profess their faith in any way they see fit. There are plenty of churches, temples, mosques and private property where these displays can go.
John Porcellana
8:33 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
This is an outside lawn display. It has NOTHING to do with government. As far as I know Woodbridge Township has no ordinance referring to, or in support of, any religion.
John Porcellana
4:24 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
This display has been out by town hall for years and nobody had a problem with it. All of a sudden some anti religion atheist outfit from Wisconsin has a problem with it and thats a no-no now? Are you kidding? From who? A complaint from some local anti Christian/anti semitic wacko?
d sager
4:36 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
I agree totally, JOe, and am saddened to see Woodbridge Twp relent to the wishes of a vocal few. Religion & religious displays have no place on public property, period. But, then again, I have been fighting this battle in Township schools since 1989, to little avail. We non-Christians pay our taxes & contribute to society.....don't we count?? Shame on you McCormac, I'm grossly disappointed.
chuckidl
4:58 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
It's not a few, d sager...I would say there is a majority of people who wanted the display. I honestly don't understand why you can't be happy for others as they celebratea holiday of peace and love. I have no problem with a menorah in the community center, nor would I have a problem if the town hall displayed Diwali lights. Anything that wishes peace and joy is fine with me.
Rosie L.
7:19 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
To all that said take it down. Do us a favor & move!!! I believe it's a grandfather law, its been in the United States before you we born or before you moved here!!! :)-
THANK YOU MAYOR MAC!!! WOODBRIDGE STRONG
annamarie chowaniec
7:33 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Next thing you know we won't be able to say Merry Christmas oops sorry that's already started. I don't see why its such a big deal. Our township is made up of many different cultures yet its a bunch of yahoos from Wisconsin causing a problem what's the matter nothing to bitch about in that state.
gerry rodriguez
7:34 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
If the Pastafarians want to place a display for their flying spaghetti monster, would that ok with Town Hall?
mrszzano
8:22 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
First, I'd like to say I am happy the Nativity is back. I'm kind of surprised, though, that no one has jumped on Mr. Elliot's statement, "Besides the legal issues, it's a little bit disturbing that they're putting up token elements of other religions..." Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Kwanzaa more of a cultural holiday, rather than a religious one? Also, Santa has NEVER been a religious symbol, and I'm sorry, what religion is it that a snowman represents? If you are trying to represent other religions, then represent them properly. Keep the icons that are there, but there should also be a menorah included, as well as Diwali lights. After all, fair is fair.
Joe Bifigliano
7:58 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Will Mac be putting up a display for Ramadan this year too? How about a statue of Ganesh? ;)
Elmer Bigelow
3:24 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
McGreevy.
Kevin G.
12:44 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Kevin G.
I think it's great having the nativity scene back where it belongs. I think it is totally amazing that we're still complaining about this. There was no issue with this years ago, but now, every year it seems there's a new organization or group that wants to complain. This should be a time of peace regardless of what religion you are. I don't think anyone should be offended as it's not meant to offend anyone. There's much to much hate in this world, can we just stop bickering about silly issues. Mr. Elliott, FFRF, Atheist Groups, ACLU, just stop causing controversy and try to enjoy the Christmas Holidays. Thank you Mr. Mayor for having the Christmas Balls for doing whats right.
Elmer Bigelow
3:21 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
What happened to the choo choo train for the atheist to go round and round in circles.