Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington State will review its policy of allowing holiday displays in the Capitol. That’s the word Monday from General Administration, the agency that runs the Statehouse.

The news follows a week of controversy over an atheist sign next to a Nativity scene.

The State’s Solicitor General, Maureen Hart, says as long as the Capitol allows one religious display – it must allow them all.

Maureen Hart: “In many respects what the United States Supreme Court has said is once you open the forum for speech, you give up the right to say something doesn’t fit based on its content.”

Many people were offended by the atheist sign that says organized religion is a “myth” that “hardens hearts.” The sign was put up after a group won the right to put a Nativity scene in the Statehouse.

Now there’s a request to erect a Festivus Pole in the Capitol. Festivus is a non-holiday created by the Seinfeld TV show.