Atheist Group Sets Up 'Bill of Rights' Nativity Scene at Indiana County Courthouse

An atheist group has reportedly set up its own "holiday scene" next to a Christian nativity in front of an Indiana courthouse.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation recently placed its own "nativity scene" at the Franklin County Courthouse in Brookville, Indiana in response to a Christian nativity scene, also located at the courthouse.

The atheist group's holiday scene reportedly depicts a copy of the Bill of Rights in the place of the baby Jesus in the nativity scene's manger.

The display also includes Benjamin Franklin, the Statue of Liberty, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson standing around the manger.

"We'd prefer that the government stay out of the business of promoting any religious belief or atheism on government property," FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said in a press release from the atheist group. "But, because the county created a forum for displays in response to FFRF's lawsuit, we are taking the opportunity to ensure that freethinkers are well represented at the courthouse in Brookville, too."

This reportedly isn't the first year the city of Brookville has battled with the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Media outlets report that in years' past, the city has fought to keep its 51-year-old nativity scene at the county courthouse.

"If people don't like the look of it I think they can look the other way, or don't look at all. It's been a tradition here for many, many years and I hope it's for many more years. I think we deserve the right to put up what the community wants and I don't think anybody else should tell us what to do," Brookville resident Wayne Monroe told the local media outlet WLWT-TV in a 2014 interview regarding the nativity.