Controversy Over Public Christmas Display

November 8, 2001

Source: The Boston Globe

On November 8, 2001, The Boston Globe reported that "a compromise has been reached that will likely keep a traditional Christmas display on public view, but privately controlled...Selectmen voted unanimously last week to give up town ownership of two creches...According to the plan, two churches in Norwood would accept joint ownership of the creche formerly displayed at Town Hall...The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts had been considering a lawsuit against the Town of Norwood, on the grounds that town-owned displays are an unconstitutional endorsement of religion by government."