Atheist group protests lack of Tree of Knowledge in Chester County Christmas display

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Published: Monday, December 05, 2011, 10:24 AM Updated: Monday, December 05, 2011, 11:16 AM

WEST CHESTER — Members of the Freethought Society gathered Saturday outside the Historic Chester County Courthouse to protest a county government decision to ban an atheist Tree of Knowledge display next to other Christmas displays they say support religion.

Headed by Margaret Downey of Pocopson, the president and founder of the Freethought Society, the group formed a human Tree of Knowledge and held up atheist literature as ornaments. "We are here to say that treating freethinkers like second-class citizens is unacceptable," Downey said. "We demand equal representation on this spot — government-owned land that is supported by you, the taxpayers."

Downey said the group set up a Tree of Knowledge from 2007 to 2009 but was denied its request for a display last year after a vote by county commissioners. They were also denied this year.

Across the street, one man established a counter protest, holding an American flag and a sign that read: "I support the county commissioners."

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/12/atheist_group_protests_lack_of.html