Delaware Court sides with Rehoboth Beach in lawsuit regarding unattended private displays on city property

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — On Friday, Chief Judge Leonard P. Stark ruled to uphold the city’s policy regarding nativity scenes on city owned property.

The Knights of Columbus had filed a motion, requesting the court to issue a preliminary junction, requiring the city to display a nativity scene on the city owned property. We’re told the Knights claimed the city had enacted an unconstitutional no religious displays policy, and that the city was treating the Knights differently because of their religious affiliation.

The City denied this claim, saying the policy they issued on November 5th, prohibited all private holiday displays on city-owned property for the 2020 holiday season. On December 7th, the policy was revised to prohibit all private entities from erecting any unattended displays on city-owned property, year-round.

The Court found that the policy treated everyone equally.

City Manager Sharon Lynn noted the City has a long history of support for religious diversity and inclusiveness. She said in part quote,“It’s in that spirit of inclusiveness that we recognize the Knights right to have this matter decided in a Court of Law. We are, however, grateful that today’s favorable decision validates the City’s commitment to the equal treatment of all individuals,”