In a historic first, a Nativity scene was displayed on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. Organizers say this milestone represents a significant achievement for religious freedom and the First Amendment.
The display, which included prayer, Christmas carols, and a reading of the Christmas story, was made possible by a federal court decision that granted Rev. Patrick Mahoney and his supporters the right to peacefully celebrate the Christmas season on Capitol grounds.
The event took place on the southeastern steps of the Capitol and signified the conclusion of a legal battle that began over a decade ago. Mahoney, director of the Washington, D.C.-based Christian Defense Coalition, had faced repeated threats of arrest for attempting to read the Christmas story from the Bible and set up a Nativity display near the Capitol Christmas tree.
Following the display, Mahoney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share the Christmas message in such a politically significant location. He wrote on X, “7 months ago, we would’ve been arrested for having this Nativity Display on the steps of the US Capitol. However, we won a historic federal lawsuit through the incredible work of the Center for American Liberty which allowed us on the steps!”
In his post, Mahoney mentioned civil rights advocate Mark Trammell, Executive Director of the Center for American Liberty, and Harmeet Dhillon, a civil rights attorney nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for a role at the U.S. Department of Justice. He stated, “We are so very thankful for the opportunity to share the joyful and powerful message of Christmas at the steps of the U.S. Capitol. In a hurting and wounded world, there is no more redemptive and healing message than the Christmas story.”
Mahoney’s 2022 federal lawsuit challenged the Capitol’s restrictions on public demonstrations, arguing that as a symbol of democracy and freedom, the U.S. Capitol should allow all Americans to exercise their First Amendment rights, including religious expression.
During that period, He pointed out that lawmakers, media, lobbyists, and tourists were permitted to use the Capitol grounds while his requests for peaceful demonstrations were denied, including a request to hold a Good Friday service for peace, religious freedom, and the healing of nations.
In May 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in Mahoney's favor, declaring the Capitol steps a public forum where peaceful demonstrations could no longer be banned. This decision established a precedent that allows for public expressions of religious faith, including the display of a Nativity scene on Capitol grounds.
