Group sues to restore Nativity scenes

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- A federal court in California has been asked to overrule a city council ban on all private religious displays in Palisades Park in Santa Monica.

Attorney William J. Becker Jr. said he has filed suit in U.S. District Court on behalf of a group that exhibits an annual tableau of Nativity scenes each December, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

The life-size scenes celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ have been seasonal fixtures annually in the park for nearly 60 years.

Becker said proponents of the displays are seeking an injunction requiring Santa Monica to permit Nativity scenes until the outcome of their suit has been decided.

The Santa Monica City Council voted in June to ban private religious displays in the park after atheists sparked a dispute over the Christmas tradition.