Dallas celebrates controversial nativity scene, despite lawsuit threat

DALLAS, N.C. — Citizens in Dallas celebrated their new nativity scene that caused controversy with the group Freedom from Religion Foundation.
 
Groups of singers rang in the Christmas season Friday night at the Carols on the Square celebration in front of the courthouse.
 
The Freedom from Religion Foundation, a national group, is threatening to sue the city of Dallas over the nativity display on city property.

Group threatening to sue over Dallas nativity scene, again 

The sheriff of Gaston County, a lifelong resident of Dallas, said people want it here.
 
The Freedom from Religion Foundation fought against last year's display and are threatening a lawsuit this year, too.
 
This year, the Dallas board voted to build a larger nativity scene this year and put it on the courthouse square.    
 
The display also includes non-religious characters, like Frosty the Snowman and reindeer.
 
Town leaders said they will not remove it, because the community wants it there.

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