Showdown Over Nativity Display: Homeowner Refuses to Take Down Display Despite Threat of Fines

An email from the Thomas More Law Center regarding the "Away With the Manger" story:

ANN ARBOR, MI. – Since moving into their new home three years ago, the Samona family of Novi, Michigan, has displayed a Nativity scene on their front lawn during each Christmas season. This year however, the management company of their subdivision sent them a letter demanding that they remove the Nativity scene. If they did not remove the display, the Samonas could be fined up to $100 a week until the display was removed.

Batoul Samona, the homeowner stated, “I have been displaying my nativity outside this house and my previous house for about 25 years without any problem until this year. My family will not remove the nativity from our front lawn under any circumstances.”

Batoul’s 16 year-old son Joseph was equally defiant, “This Nativity display is a family tradition which will not be abolished. My family strongly believes in celebrating the birth of Christ in this way.”

The Samona family contacted the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which agreed to represent the family at no charge. The Law Center has already contacted the management company notifying them that the Center represents the Samonas in this matter.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, commented, “The action of the management company in demanding only that the nativity scene be removed when several other objects remained on the lawn is clear evidence that this was an attack on Christmas. We will vigorously defend the constitutional rights of the Samonas to express their religious message on their own property.”

Scores of citizens have come to the Samona home to view the display and express their support as news of the showdown became public. One individual even called and offered to pay any fine imposed.

Edward White, trial counsel for the Thomas More Law Center, who was at the Samona home today commented, “We trust the management company will reconsider its decision and allow this family to continue to celebrate Christmas as they see fit on their private property. Their nativity display is beautiful and only adds to the beauty of the neighborhood.”