Santa joins religious display at Luzerne courthouse

WILKES-BARRE - Santa, a snowman, an elf, and other secular figures have joined a nativity scene and menorah at the Luzerne County Courthouse, resolving a controversy over the display of religious holiday symbols in a public space.

Commissioners in the northeastern Pennsylvania county removed the creche and menorah from the courthouse lawn last week after receiving an objection from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

The groups told the county that the displays were an unconstitutional government endorsement of religion.

ACLU attorney Mary Catherine Roper told the Associated Press yesterday that she was satisfied now that the county has added some secular symbols to the display. - AP