RICHFIELD, Utah — Two central Utah cities are refusing to display donated Nativity scenes on city property.
The Salina and Richfield city councils unanimously made the decision on advice from a city attorney. Salina, which last year allowed a small Nativity scene to be displayed at the city building, also cited space considerations.
“Our decorations are already set up at our building, and we decided this year was not the time to do it since we really have no room for it under the circumstances,” Salina Mayor Jim Reynolds said. “So we went ahead and said no for that reason and for the fact that our attorney advised against putting one up, and nobody questioned that.”
Now, residents who are members of the Right to Vote Committee and who petitioned the city councils to put up the displays are upset.
The scenes were offered as part of an Eagle Scout project.
City leaders are showing a “lack of Christian courage,” said Elaine Bonavita, chairwoman of the committee. “We have presented this to the cities and told them not to be afraid to display them, so we are disappointed that they have not accepted.”
Richfield Mayor Brad Ramsay said the city respects the legal advice of its attorney.
“We want to stay out of mixing church and state and always felt like a Nativity scene is a personal expression of Christmas and not one the city wants to impose on anyone,” he said.
Ramsay said there are several Nativity scenes throughout the city at private residences and businesses.
Bonavita said the committee plans to seek out other cities for the displays.
