The City of Pataskala, Ohio, will now allow Susan Conley to set up a live nativity scene at a city-owned park, Veterans Green, as part of a holiday-themed farmers market scheduled this December.
As AFN recently reported, Pataskala officials initially denied Conley's request, citing the religious nature of nativity scene. After two years of rejections, she reached out for legal help.
"It was very frustrating," she recently told a local news station (video below). "I couldn't understand why the city would deny my request."
First Liberty Institute partnered with the law firm known as Jones Day in sending a letter to city officials that pointed out the constitutional flaws in their decision. They were prepared to file a lawsuit if the city did not respond by Halloween.
But Garrett Bell, First Liberty associate counsel, says they heard back within a week.
"The city has assured us that it has abandoned its prior policy altogether, the policy that banned any religious displays in city-owned property," he details.
Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was quick to celebrate Conley's victory.
"The same protection should apply to residents of *any* faith," he posted on X.
Bell's public interest law firm is grateful that the city administration recognizes the Constitution protects Conley's right to put up a nativity at the farmers market.
Conley – who has in recent years had a popular and highly visited nativity scene on local private properties – is thrilled she can now bring the community together to celebrate something she says has been "so fundamental to the traditions of this wonderful season."
The Christmas market is scheduled for December 12.
