Atheists call for removal of Bethel nativity scene

The nativity display in P.T. Barnum Square, downtown Bethel, Conn, Tuesday, November 20, 2018. The nativity display in P.T. Barnum Square, downtown Bethel, Conn, Tuesday, November 20, 2018. Photo: H John Voorhees III, Hearst Connecticut Media Buy photo Photo: H John Voorhees III, Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Atheists call for removal of Bethel nativity scene 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

BETHEL — The town plans to update its policy on holiday displays after backlash from an atheist group over a nativity set downtown.

The American Atheists Legal Center sent a letter to the Board of Selectmen last week asking the board to rescind its approval of the new manger at P.T. Barnum Square.

The group criticized the selectmen for not accepting an application for a non-religious display, but town officials said that application was missing required information.

“We want inclusiveness,” First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker said. “This idea that things were being denied is just not true.”

Holiday displays have caused controversies in other Connecticut towns, including Shelton, where a resident erected a sign two years ago on the Huntington Green celebrating the winter solstice and calling religion a myth. The sign was later vandalized.

Knickerbocker said he supports the nativity set staying up, but said the selectmen need to set written policies for how they deal with displays. Selectmen have voted on previous displays based on past practices, he said.

“We need to provide more written guidance to people,” Knickerbocker said.

The selectmen will hold a special meeting 6 p.m. Monday in Room A of Town Hall to develop a policy that will get Bethel through this holiday season.

But in the new year, Knickerbocker said he aims to establish a committee that would create a more in-depth procedure to regulate how many displays are permitted, how big they can be, how long they can stay up and more.

“There are some details we need to actually put down in writing,” he said. “We can’t just rely on past practice anymore. It’s gotten too complicated.”

The American Atheists Legal Center offered to help the town develop its policy.

A nativity set has been displayed in downtown Bethel during the holidays for as long as Knickerbocker can remember.

A resident donated the original, which town crews used to set up and store.

“That’s over the line,” Knickerbocker said.

After he took office, Knickerbocker nixed that practice beginning with the 2010 holiday season. He said the Chamber of Commerce then took over responsibility for the manger until this year, when the chamber asked the local churches to handle it.

The churches then raised about $5,000 for a new set and earned approval last week to put it in P.T. Barnum Square.

“We’re happy to have so many individuals and members of the community assist in getting the new set,” said Tim Martin, who was on the committee that set up the nativity. “We think its great and we hope it's there for many years for the community to enjoy.”

Meanwhile, another Bethel resident, James Naddeo, had tried to create an inclusive holiday display for downtown. He said he applied to the town and contacted religious leaders from several faiths, as well as non-religious people, about contributing.

But churches either did not respond or said they did not want to cause controversy, Naddeo said.

“I followed the application process and attempted to create a more inclusive display for the benefit of all,” he said. “But with limited interests from others due to concerns about the response from townspeople, it seems unlikely that will happen now.”

Naddeo added he did not want the nativity removed.

The American Atheists Legal Center accused the town of discriminating against Naddeo’s application.

“The residents of Bethel are being denied their First Amendment right of free speech if the applicant’s religion is a factor in deciding whether to approve a display on town property,” said Geoffrey T. Blackwell, litigation counsel for the American Atheists, in a statement.

But Knickerbocker said the application was missing an image of the display and an insurance form, which are required.

“There is no effort to deny people any right,” Knickerbocker said. “It would be a nice thing to have other cultures represented on that green.”

Knickerbocker said there would be space in P.T. Barnum Square for another display this year if someone applied.

“It does get crowded, but we would have to make room,” he said. “We can’t deny on the basis of that.”