After Gig Harbor Nativity Controversy, City Will Hold Public Hearing

GIG HARBOR, WA - After the city decided not to host a nativity display in a public park during the 2016 Christmas season, the Parks Commission will host a public hearing on the topic on Jan. 4.

Earlier this year, the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter to Gig Harbor threatening to sue if the city allowed a nativity display at Donkey Creek Park. Gig Harbor decided to forgo the nativity this year to avoid a legal fight.

"Some have suggested we not be concerned about a possible lawsuit against the city," Gig Harbor Mayor Jill Guernsey wrote on her city webpage on Dec. 11. "We agree this is an important issue and we do not like the prospect of having an organization from out of state telling us what we can or cannot do. However, we would likely be spending thousands of taxpayer dollars defending a lawsuit about a private display."

Gig Harbor residents John Skansi and Jim Franich had been erecting the nativity at Donkey Creek Park since 2008.

The public hearing on the issue of holiday or religious items on public land will be held Jan. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. If you can't attend, you can email comments to Terri Reed at reedt@gigharbor.net up until 5 p.m. on Jan. 3. Written comments will be given to the Parks Commission at the Jan. 4 meeting.

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