Crèche Battle in Lexington
Extended Into Next Year

December 21, 2000

The battle in the courts over the banishment of the Crèche from the Battle Green in Lexington was extended into next year in a decision announced yesterday by the U.S. Court of Appeals.

It let stand a U.S. District Court decision to not issue an extraordinary Temporary Restraining Order which would have required the town to allow the nativity scene this year without a trial being held.

The Court of Appeals denied a request by the Knights of Columbus for an expedited appeal.

The fight is not over, said Atty. Chester Darling of Citizens for Preservation of Civil Rights. He noted that the Court of Appeals recommended that a trial of the matter be completed in advance of the 2001 Christmas Season.

Darling said that C.P.C.R. is determined to continue to litigate this case over the upcoming months to ensure that the people of Lexington will not be denied their Crèche again next Christmas. C.P.C.R. is funded by tax-deductible donations. They can be reached for more information at 617-536-1776.