Wis. atheists want 'slightly blasphemous' Capitol holiday display

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A conservative group has set up a nativity scene at the Capitol building in Madison, and an atheists' group is seeking its own permit for an opposing display.

A WISC-TV report says Wisconsin Family Action has been granted a permit to display its scene until the end of the month. The six statuettes that sit on a table depict the birth of Jesus Christ.

Group spokeswoman Julaine Appling says the display is tasteful. She says there's room for a number of different voices.

But the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation says a nativity scene isn't appropriate for a state building. Annie Laurie Gaylor says her group is seeking a permit for its own display, one that's "slightly blasphemous" and an "irreverent tweak" on the nativity scene.

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