Crossposted from STACLU:

The ACLU continues its tradition of being Scrooge to Christian free speech during the Christmas season:

The ACLU sent a letter dated Nov. 11 asking the city to "end the unlawful endorsement of religion," claiming that the city paid for animals used in a Nativity scene. The letter accused the city of violating the First Amendment.
In the letter, the ACLU claimed the city paid $200 for animals used in a Nativity scene co-sponsored by Grace Church of the Nazarene.
Piper confirmed the city spent the money two years ago — not last year as the letter claims — the exhibit's first year at "Christmas on the Cumberland." The scene will be on display from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12 this year at McGregor Park pavilion.
"If the City of Clarksville did pay for the animals, this was a violation of the Establishment Clause," the ACLU letter reads. "The City of Clarksville must not provide funds for Grace Church of Nazarene to perform biblical plays or displays."
The church's pastor, Steve Estep, and the mayor said the church will receive no money from the city this year for the Nativity scene. And each year, Estep said, the church has been required to obtain a permit from the Parks and Recreation Department for several hundred dollars.