Private citizens can “cast their vote” for Jesus this Christmas by teaming up with the American Nativity Scene and the Thomas More Society to place nativity scenes in state capitols across America.

The right to free speech enshrined in our constitution guarantees that any individual or group can share the Good News of Jesus’ birth in the same venues that typically play host to political rallies and protests. The nonprofit American Nativity Scene and the Thomas More Society, a national public interest law firm, invite interested citizens to visit americannativityscene.com/how-to-order.html to apply for a free nativity set to display on government property.

Private citizens or groups who would like to place a Christmas manger scene at a state capitol or other highly visible and heavily traveled public property, such as a county complex or city hall lawn, can submit an application to receive a free set of large Holy Family figurines (Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus with crib, and Angel). These crèche components are provided and shipped at no cost to qualifying nativity sponsors, compliments of a generous benefactor of the American Nativity Scene. A step-by-step guide is included, detailing how to apply for permits and best assert the right to erect a private religious display on public property. Those seeking to receive the nativity figures must apply by the November 15, 2019 deadline.

Pro bono legal work by the attorneys at the Thomas More Society ensures that citizens who privately fund religious displays on public property are accorded their right to do so as guaranteed by the 1st and 14th Amendments of the United States Constitution. A permanent federal injunction banning discrimination against religious speech ensures that the Christmas crèches are protected from erroneous applications of the widely misunderstood concept of “separation of church and state.”

Each Christmas season brings controversies, including challenges by atheists, secularists, and even Satanists, yet the Thomas More Society and American Nativity Scene provide a strong united front in the face of attacks on religious freedom. Thomas More Society attorneys serve as legal counsel, defending the basic rights of nativity scene sponsors and equipping citizens with the knowledge and support they need to successfully display nativity scenes in venues that qualify as traditional and designated public forums.

Ed O’Malley, President of the American Nativity Scene, declared, “We are seriously committed to our goal of keeping Christ in Christmas.”

American Nativity Scene founder Jim Finnegan added, “It’s all about free speech. We have seen those who hate Christmas attempt to end all efforts to celebrate it.”

Tom Brejcha, Thomas More Society President and Chief Counsel, elaborated, “The Christmas message highlights the hope and miracle of birth and new life, the inherent dignity of each human being. The infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger amidst straw and animals is honored by shepherds and kings and heralded by choirs of angels.”

He added, “No matter how rich or poor, humble or high-stationed, that essential equality represented by the Christ Child resonates deeply with all Americans.”

The Thomas More Society supports the mission of the American Nativity Scene to place a nativity at state capitol buildings and other public places all across America. By Christmas 2018, there were 20 state capitol manger scenes on display, including crèches in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and in the governor’s mansion in Oklahoma.