Members of the nation's largest atheist group are celebrating a victory in Shelton, Connecticut, where they're displaying a message this Christmas season that claims God doesn't exist and religion "enslaves minds."
MISSISSIPPI LAW TAKES SIDES IN RELIGIOUS DEBATE, PLAINTIFFS CLAIM
The Freedom From Religion Foundation said its members were originally denied permission last year to display their banner in Huntington Park because city officials said their message saying there is no God or Heaven would be "offensive to many." But after FFRF filed a lawsuit in March, the members have since been allowed to display their red and green banner featuring an anti-Christian and anti-religion message.
The group says it's seeking equal representation, and argues that if others are allowed to put up a nativity scene in a public space, atheist messages should also be permitted.
"We'd prefer to keep public parks and government buildings free from religious divisiveness," said FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. "But if a devotional nativity display is allowed, there must be 'room at the inn' for all points of view, including irreverence and freethought."
The message reads in full: "At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."