The ACLU of Nebraska has a long history of defending people’s First Amendment rights to not only practice their religion, but publicly display and express their religious ideas.
But when the government becomes embroiled in celebrating Christmas or any religious holiday as a holy or sacred occasion, it violates our constitutional commitment to maintaining a government that is religiously neutral. That’s why, in rare instances, the ACLU has intervened when the government has failed to respect these fundamental religious freedom principles during the holiday season.
Fourteen years ago, residents of Broken Bow contacted the ACLU of Nebraska about a Nativity scene in a public park in December. After negotiating with the ACLU, Broken Bow modified its display to a secular holiday message. Recently the Nebraska State Capitol has correctly balanced and ensured the rights of all by deciding to allow two displays, one religious and one secular, in the Capitol.
Religious expression is an important part of our First Amendment rights that are guaranteed to all. The rights to worship, preach, sing carols and celebrate Christmas both in public and in private are protected and entirely constitutional, simply not when the government is being used to promote religious beliefs.
So, no matter what holidays you celebrate, or no matter what holidays you don’t celebrate, we wish you and your family well this time of year!
2016 is the 50th anniversary of the ACLU of Nebraska. We will feature several memories from our five decades of defending freedom in the Cornhusker state here. Do you have a favorite memory? Share it with us!
