The ACLU's stance on the separation of church and state is as much about preserving and protecting religious practice as anything else. By fighting to see that the government acts with neutrality toward religion -- neither endorsing nor discriminating against particular faiths -- our system ensures religious liberty for all in our diverse society. The ACLU defends this founding American principle.
Religious ideals are best represented by those within the religion itself, not by the government. The ACLU defends the rights of private citizens, churches and organizations to put up any religious displays they choose.
The example of the creche on public property illustrates the danger of entangling government with religion. The idea of a creche, menorah or other distinctly religious symbol erected on city or county hall lawns has concerned many Americans for whom these displays send a message of exclusion. If the government endorses or associates itself with a particular religion, those who belong to other religions are marginalized and wonder whether the government will equally represent them.
