Cuccinelli Backs Holiday Displays

Virginia’s attorney general weighs in on the Loudoun County Christmas display debate

Local governments can display religiously themed holiday displays as long as other faiths and beliefs are allowed to be represented, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said.

This comes as the heated debate over holiday displays on the grounds of the Loudoun County Courthouse will be decided in a few weeks. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors plan to vote Sept. 8. The board originally overturned last November’s ban on courthouse displays but decided to revisit the issue this summer.

Delegate Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William, asked for Cuccinelli’s opinion under what conditions Loudoun County would be permitted to display the “birth of Jesus Christ.”

Cuccinelli publicly released his advisory opinion in response. He said a local government can enjoy “considerable discretion” in accommodating the religious expression of their residents during traditional seasonal holidays.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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