Washington City Removes Nativity Scene From Public Park Following Complaints

After 40 years, the perpetually butthurt discovered the display.

Via KPTV:

A nativity scene displayed at a public park in Woodland was moved to private property after a handful of complaints, according to the city.

Tuesday, the Public Works Department helped move the set from Horseshoe Lake Park to a privately-owned vacant lot at the corner of Goerig Street and Buckeye Street.

City leaders told FOX 12 they didn’t want to move the manger but made the decision after seeking guidance from the city attorney, who advised that keeping it on public property was a violation of federal and state laws.

“I wouldn’t have chosen to do this, but it’s in the best interest of the city to do so,” said Mayor Will Finn by phone Tuesday night. “The feedback I’m getting is that it’s in a better spot.”

Finn said he personally sought out the new location and permission from the property owner after the city received complaints about the display within the last week.

According to City Administrator Peter Boyce, the nativity scene itself is privately-owned, but the city has allowed it to be displayed at the park for the last few decades.

Finn estimates the manger has been set up in the park every December for the last 40 years.

Jenny Tingley was able to see the nativity scene from her home and was surprised and disappointed to see it removed.

“Our grandkids love it when they put little baby Jesus out,” Tingley said. “I didn’t think it was offensive at all. I thought it added to the look of our town when it’s the holidays.”

“I’m just sorry that people got offended by it, because we enjoy it – everybody we know enjoys it,” Tingley added.

Boyce said he’s unaware of complaints in years prior, but said the city recently received about five recent complaints.

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