Next Question: Why is the Denver City and County building is allowed to have a nativity scene out front when judges have ruled other nativity scenes violate the separation of church and state?
That question comes to Next from a viewer named Alana, who send us a 2015 story about a nativity display in Arkansas as an example.
In a word, Alana, the answer is "context."
The city of Denver's nativity scene has been challenged in court and remains standing because it's awash in secular symbols of the holiday season. It's easier to see when things get lit.
Courts have ruled that religious symbols are allowed on government property if they're surrounded by non-religious messages and symbols, including Christmas images that are more cultural than religious.
Images like "Peace on Earth," Santa and reindeer, generic ells, snowflakes, candy canes, and "Happy New Year."
Governments aren't required to equally represent different religions, only avoid explicit religious endorsements, and bury their historically unrealistic blue eyed baby Jesus in a sea of stuff that just says - HOLIDAYS!
Have a question about something around town that you'd like Next to answer? Let us know with #HeyNext, post on our Facebook page or email next@9news.com.
