Update: Palm Beach Officials Give Up Public Holiday Display

January 17, 2004

Source: The Associated Press

fac.org/rel_liberty/publiclife/news.aspx?id=12477

On January 17, 2004 The Associated Press reported, "Palm Beach officials have decided to do away with all holiday decoration in a town park after being sued by two women who wanted to display a Nativity scene alongside a menorah and a Christmas tree. The town council voted unanimously to give a menorah back to its donor, and merchants decided to move a Christmas tree from a centrally located park. Maureen Donnell and Fern deNarvaez sued the town in federal court, arguing the town’s policy of not allowing the Nativity scene violated free speech and equal protection. They also alleged that the city's refusal demonstrated hostility toward Christianity. Town officials had argued that the Christmas tree — which had no angels, stars or other religious ornaments — and the menorah were secular symbols."