The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals granted a motion to stay regarding a lower court decision allowing Jackson County to include the Nativity scene in its annual holiday display this year in front of the courthouse while the judges decide on the case. Liberty Counsel represents Jackson County, Indiana against the ACLU. 

Liberty Counsel recently presented oral argument before the three-judge panel defending the Nativity scene display at the Jackson County Courthouse. The holiday display which includes the Nativity has been ongoing for many years. After the 2019 display, the lower federal court ruled against the display. In addition to presenting oral argument, Liberty Counsel filed a motion requesting the Court of Appeals to stay the lower court’s order pending the final decision on the merits. In a 2-1 ruling, the Court granted the motion stating that the display may continue as it was in 2019 pending the final ruling on the merits.

In addition to the Nativity scene, the annual holiday display also includes a large lighted Santa Claus, sleigh with reindeer, and a group of Christmas carolers. The courthouse grounds are also decorated with many kinds of lights and other non-religious symbols of the holiday season. 

Liberty Counsel’s Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, “We are grateful that Jackson County will be able to include the Nativity scene in this year’s holiday display. The Supreme Court and many federal courts have ruled such displays are constitutional.”