Nativity scene coming to state Capitol for first time in two decades

For the first time in at least two decades, a Nativity scene will stand in the state Capitol building over the holiday season.

A Springfield-based committee received a state permit to set up the Nativity scene between Dec. 1 and Dec. 29.

The permit was granted under court rulings that outline such displays can be set on government property as long as the location is open to other organizations and as long as it is sponsored by a nonstate entity.

"This is something our attorneys looked at very closely," said Dave Drucker, a spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White, who is in charge of the Capitol building in Springfield.

The American Civil Liberties Union is not opposing the display.

Illinois ACLU spokesman Ed Yohnka said "anybody can express their message there and frankly there is room in that space for lots of different messages."

The Nativity scene - a portrayal of the birth of Jesus with mother Mary and father Joseph in a manger - at the Capitol is being backed in large part by the Chicago-based Thomas More Society Pro-Life Law Center, which works to oppose legalized abortion.

"We want to let the public know that they have a right to do this in their own community," said Dan Zanoza, of Lincoln, who headed up the effort.

The Nativity scene is believed to be the first one in the Capitol building in at least the last 20 years. The Capitol regularly hosts a Christmas tree, called a "holiday tree," and has occasionally had a Jewish Menorah on display.