Commission denies request for manger scene

There won't be a religious manger scene this year on the Wahkiakum County courthouse lawn.

The Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce has, for years, decorated the lawn and plantings with holiday lights and figures, including a Santa Claus.

On Tuesday, five men asked the board of commissioners for permission to add a religious manger scene to the decorations.

"All we're asking is to put up a small scene out there which wouldn't interfere with anything else out there," said Len Lindsey. "We just feel we have a right to put this out there, and we would like your permission to do so."

After nearly 30 minutes of discussion, commissioners denied the request.

"I agree with a lot of what you're saying," said commission Chair Dan Cothren. However, he said he doesn't want to set a precedent that would open the door to a wide range of religious displays.

"I don't want to see a goat hanging upside down out there," he said. "Times have changed, but not to the good. We would be opening up the door to things that are offensive."

Lindsley commented that religious protection under the US Bill of Rights doesn't preclude people from practicing religion, and that's what they want to do.

James Reed suggested the board could establish rules and guidelines that would head off outlandish displays. Holy days of other religions wouldn't conflict with Christmas, he added.

"I can understand your fear of opening the tidegate, so to speak," said Danny Poe, "but it's okay to grow marijuana in our community and it's okay to legalize that, but we don't want a nativity scene?"

Commissioner Mike Backman said the board isn't against having nativity scenes, but it could easily go on the lawn of the church on Main Street.

"It's too bad we've got to this point," Cothren said. "The other part of it is the opening of the door."

"I wish you had come to us much sooner than this," said Commissioner Blair Brady. "It would have been a lot easier."

Brady said he doesn't have a problem with manger scenes, "but keeping a certain degree of neutrality in government is important."

He then asked Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow his analysis.

"What's going on here is that the county doesn't lend out space on its lawn," he said. "The county has hired the Chamber of Commerce to put up a display that the county wants that I think is secular enough to get us through the court challenges that may occur."

If the county were to open it up, it would put the county in the position of a common carrier and it would have to allow all displays equally. Thus, the county doesn't allow county facilities for activities such as political party conventions or programs.

The county could change its policy and let groups reserve their times within broad limitations.

"You'd have to plan for what might happen, not what you think is going to happen," he said.

Commissioners chose not to change policies and allow the nativity scene.

"I wish this had come before us earlier," Brady said. "We should take our attorney's advice. We represent all the people and should have a degree of neutrality. I'll not open up a window at this time."

"I agree," Cothren said, "but I'm willing to look at it again. I just don't think we should open the door."

Backman agreed, and the conversation came to a close.