Christian Group Places Nativity Scene At State Capitol, Frustrating Some

A nativity scene placed at the Oklahoma State Capitol is warming some hearts and frustrating others. 

The display is part of a national effort to place privately funded Christmas nativity scenes in state capitols across the country. However, some say it’s a violation of the separation of church and state. 

“For Christians, I hope that it boldens them somewhat to sort of contradict the narrative,” OKC Attorney Alex Hilton said. 

Hilton, the Knights of Columbus, and the Conservative Chicago Law Firm the Thomas More Society said this is the 41st nativity scene to be placed at state capitols across the country. 

“Aside from paying homage to our Lord, I would say there are false narratives out there about the so-called separation of church and state,” Hilton said. 

A line the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma said has been crossed. 

"Oklahoma politicians are once again exploiting their position of authority to promote their personal religious agenda," Tamya Cox-Touré, ACLU of Oklahoma Executive Director said. " Such display has no place on Capitol grounds." 

“It’s just the reality of our current political landscape that Christians have come into the crosshairs of a lot of different parties,”” Hilton said. 

A spokeswoman for the state's Office of Management and Enterprise Services said in a statement, “The group holding an event at the Capitol this week requested the space in writing and agreed to comply with state rules. After confirming that their event did not conflict with any other event going on at the Capitol, their application was approved just like any other group.” 

In the past, these types of displays have opened the door for other religious and non-religious groups requesting similar accommodations. 

Organizers said the permit for the display expired Thursday, however they said it will be back next year.