The Freedom From Religion Foundation is trying to get the town of Clayton to change their town seal and motto, saying that "religious symbolism on official city seals is unconstitutional."

The town seal features a church with a cross, and includes the motto "A Good Place To Live And Play And Work And Pray".

Mayor Tom Bianco said

I have no problem with freedom of speech or religion ... We don't force anyone to do anything. We don't tell anyone they have to pray.

Former Mayor Gene Costill also stood by the logo:

I think it's a quality job ... Everybody can pray to whoever they want. It doesn't tell you who to pray to, it just says it's a good place to pray."

clayton nj seal
claytonnj.com
loading...

The FFRF says that "including a cross and church on the seal, as well as declaring the city a place to pray are exclusionary to non-Christians, that includes atheists and agnostics who don't subscribe to religious views." The group is citing cases in Illinois and Pennsylvania as examples in which towns have lost court battles over religious symbols in official seals.

The city council approved a motion to keep the motto and seal in place.

More From 105.7 The Hawk