Following a controversy last December after the Arlington Heights Park District rejected a Nativity scene donation from a former resident, it is now working to approve a policy that would allow such displays at area parks, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Under the proposal, the "unattended displays" would be allowed at North School Park, located at N. Arlington Heights Road and East Eastman Street, from the Friday after Thanksgiving until Dec. 31, and at Memorial Park, located at N. Chestnut Avenue and W. Fremont Street, for seven days before and after Memorial Day, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Under the proposal, each application would be reviewed before being approved for display, according to the article.
After initially declining a donation of a nativity scene from Jim Fennegan, the park district choose to reconsider its decision in December 2012.
The nativity scene was ultimately approved by the Arlington Heights Park District on Dec. 13, 2012 after accusations that Finnegan's first amendment rights were being violated.
The Freedom from Religion Foundation in December 2012 was able to display a sign stressing that religious signs do not belong in public places, with the message:
"There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth & superstition that hardens hearts & enslaves minds."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
