Ohio city to allow live Nativity scene at farmers market after initial rejection

November 13, 2025

An Ohio city has reversed course and decided that it will allow a local resident to display a live Nativity scene on public property at a winter farmers market.

The Christian Post reports that the city of Pataskala had initially rejected Susan Conley’s request to include the Christmas display a farmers market scheduled to be held next month.

City officials later reversed their decision after receiving a complaint letter from attorneys Jones Day and the First Liberty Institute (FLI).

FLI Senior Counsel Nate Kellum told the Christian Post in a statement that the city never should have refused the live Nativity in the first place.

Kellum wrote: “It’s unimaginable why a city would ban a live Nativity scene from the holiday farmers market, considering the rich history, tradition and significance it holds for many of the city’s residents in the celebration of Christmas.”

“The city’s actions have a chilling effect on all religious faiths that may want to set up a display of their own during their holiday celebrations. It has always been unlawful for a city to ban private religious displays from public property,” Kellum added.

Pataskala Mayor Mike Compton said the request for a live Nativity was unprecedented, stating, “This was brand new and we just said, ‘Hey, you know what, [we’re] staying with our normal policy, not mixing religion on city property. Your permit is approved, but you cannot do the Nativity. You will have to find another location,’”

According to the Christian Post, shortly before Halloween, city officials met and reconsidered their original position, agreeing to allow the display as long as it was clear that the city did not endorse it.

Photo: top, Credit: Getty Images