Jacqueline Smith: Atheist banner sparks intense discussion

The Bethel Board of Selectmen approved this banner to be displayed in P.T. Barnum Square. The Bethel Board of Selectmen approved this banner to be displayed in P.T. Barnum Square. Photo: Julia Perkins /Hearst Connecticut Media Photo: Julia Perkins /Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Jacqueline Smith: Atheist banner sparks intense discussion 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

A banner is going up soon in downtown Bethel, on P.T. Barnum Square, where townspeople gather for all sorts of ceremonies and celebrations.

Against a blue background decorated with white snowflakes, the banner bears the message “To our Bethel community Happy Holiday Season! (whatever you celebrate)” Cordial, right?

It’s the signature, though, that has stirred the emotions of some in the community — “From your friendly atheist neighbors”.

That word “atheist” bothers some people who consider it an effrontery to the beautiful Nativity scene, also on the square. A manger and figures have been a part of the Christmas celebration for as long as most people can remember and this year a $5,000 replacement was possible, thanks to the collaboration of local churches and volunteers.

Literally and figuratively, there is room for both on the public square, where a “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue also stands in tribute to those who fought in World War I.

After a bumpy start, marked by misunderstanding and lack of a clear policy on public displays, town officials took the right — and only legal — course and approved the banner for this season.

The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and expression, as well as freedom to practice whatever religion, or none.

Resident James Naddeo wanted to erect the banner for the sake of inclusion and diversity. It was not a statement against the Nativity scene, he said, nor sparked by any one event.

“What it comes down to is inclusion,” Naddeo said to me in a conversation Friday. “I wanted to make sure all viewpoints were heard, show diversity and be proud of what we celebrate, even if it’s ideas and not holidays.” He’s right.

Initially, he contacted organizations and “houses of worship” to see whether any had multi-denominational displays that could be used. That brought him to the American Atheists, a 55-year-old national organization, which did have a banner they would send.

That banner included the organization’s symbol, which rankled some residents who spoke out at a public meeting. Meanwhile, Naddeo’s application was put on hold because it lacked insurance information and a photo, requirements he was unaware of at the time.

That’s when the American Atheists Legal Center stepped in and sent a letter asking the town to rescind its approval for the manger scene because the nonreligious display was not approved.

At first I thought it was a needless and incendiary action. Naddeo’s plan had not been rejected on the basis of the message. But the combustion brought the First Amendment rights to the forefront and stimulated debate at town meetings and on the Bethel CT Forum Facebook page.

“It was a very lively discussion this past month,” Naddeo said in an understatement.

He listened to concerns: He declined the free banner with the American Atheists symbol. Instead, he decided to pay for one himself and Bethel graphic artist Keith Snyder contributed the festive snowflake design.

Last Wednesday, the day after the selectmen approved his application, Naddeo ordered the custom printed 4-foot by 8-foot vinyl mesh banner. As soon as it arrives and enough people are available to help, it will be installed low to the ground on the La Zingara side of P.T. Barnum Square, visible to traffic heading west on Greenwood Avenue.

In the coming years, Naddeo hopes, a menorah and possibly a scene for Kwanzaa can join the public square, as well as representation of Hindu, Muslim and other beliefs.

I think a recognition of the winter solstice would be meaningful.

How far could this go? In the Illinois state Capitol, along with a Christmas tree and a menorah, the Chicago chapter of the Satanic Temple placed a tribute. It’s a woman’s hand offering an apple with a serpent coiled around her wrist. “A pentagram and the words ‘knowledge is the greatest gift’ are written on the pedestal below,” The New York Times reported Friday.

You can imagine the criticism of the homage to Satan on display with symbols of the Christian celebration of Christmas. But the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the use of temporary holiday displays on public property. Remember, the First Amendment is for all.

Bethel is forming a committee after the New Year that will draft a permanent and clearly defined policy on public displays. To their credit, about a dozen residents already have volunteered to serve.

Contact Editorial Page Editor Jacqueline Smith at jsmith@hearstmediact.com