Nativity Scene to be Displayed in MO Capitol Rotunda on Dec. 12

This Christmas Season, a nativity scene will be on display in the Missouri Capitol building in honor of the birth of Christ. On December 12 at noon, the Missouri Nativity Scene Committee will host a celebration to unveil the Christmas display. The nativity scene will be displayed in the rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol building, located at 201 W Capitol Ave, from noon until 3 p.m.

In a press release, the Thomas More Society, which provides legal counsel to the Missouri Nativity Scene Committee, stated that displaying the nativity scene in the Capitol is an exercise of the First Amendment. "The nativity scene in the Rotunda represents constitutionally-protected free speech and expression of religious faith by private citizens in a traditional public forum," said Tom Brejcha, Thomas More Society President and Chief Counsel. "The Government is neither censor nor endorser of such religious speech. In the Capitol Rotunda, where political rallies are routinely held during Government sessions, the Government is merely the gatekeeper upholding free speech."

The display is open to the public, so be sure to visit the Capitol if you can on December 12 to see this display!