Residents of an Iowa town packed a city council meeting Monday to speak out against the removal of a Nativity scene off the courthouse lawn, although their opposition didn’t change the stance of council members.
The Nativity was placed on the Appanoose County Courthouse lawn in Centerville Nov. 18 but was moved to a private lot Dec. 9 following a complaint, according to KCCI.
Most of the residents who were present wanted the Nativity placed back on the courthouse lawn.
“I would die for my God!” Centerville resident Kathy Perry said.
Perry blamed Centerville officials.
“I feel like the council members that were involved with this, that did have a say, were cowards,” she said.
More than 1,000 people signed a petition supporting the Nativity’s return to the courthouse lawn, according to KCCI.
But Centerville city council members said the Nativity would stay on private property.
“We do not rule by majority, because if there was one person that lived in Centerville, then we have to represent them as well, even if it does not agree with your particular (view),” said council member Jay Dillard.
Beau Reeves, a self-described atheist, supported the council’s action.
“I shouldn’t have to see baby Jesus on the courthouse lawn,” Reeves said.
Justin Scott, the state director for the American Atheists organization, told the Associated Press that if the council returned the Nativity…
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