For years during the Holiday season, the Chester County Courthouse was a public area where people could put up their own decorations on a first come, first serve basis. Things are different this year however.
The county announced that they would decide which decorations to display.
“There was head-butting between groups, some contention, some vandalism,” said Terence Farrell, the Chester County Commissioner. “This allows us to hopefully end all that.”
Naturally, there are many who are against this new rule.
“When the commissioners have the power to regulate who gets in and who does not get in, that sets up an us and them scenario,” said Margaret Downey of the Freethought Society. “That is not what they should be in the business of doing.”
The Freethought Society is a non-theist secular humanist group that has displayed their own holiday decorations in the past. Margaret believes that groups like hers will be left out now that the county is in control.
The Commissioner insists that the decision process will be fair however.
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“We do get guidance and input from our lawyers,” said Terence. “They will guide us and make sure that whatever we do is legal, constitutional and appropriate.”
