Loudoun Supervisors Put Off Decision On Religious Displays At Courthouse

In Virginia, the board of supervisors in Loudoun County has voted to put off a decision about religious displays on the grounds of the county courthouse.

The board voted 6 to 1 to defer a decision until its September 8th meeting. The postponement will allow the courthouse's chief judge, who's currently on vacation, to share his thoughts on the controversy.

A citizens' committee in charge of reviewing grounds and facilities policies at the courthouse first decided to ban all holiday displays there last December.

But when county supervisors saw how upset people were, they decided to allow community groups to share the space to celebrate their traditions. Now, though, supervisors are reconsidering, saying it's become too difficult to manage.

Conservatives and liberals say the displays should be allowed, saying it is an expression of cultural heritage.