State pre-empts any ado over Capitol holiday displays

Allowed inside the state Capitol in Olympia this coming winter: a holiday tree.

Not allowed: a Nativity scene, an atheist sign, a "Seinfeld"-inspired Festivus pole and other displays sponsored by private organizations.

The department that oversees the Capitol grounds announced today an interim policy on displays, a response to the furor that erupted last year after an atheist group put up an anti-religion sign next to a Nativity scene in the Capitol.

The policy, which took effect today, does not allow any nongovernmental displays in any building on Capitol grounds. But it does allow such displays outside, on campus grounds.

"We want to preserve everyone's right to free expression. We just want to make sure we manage things better than they went last year," said Steve Valandra, spokesman for the Department of General Administration.

The policy applies to any private organization or individual, not just religious — or atheist — groups.

Janet I. Tu: 206-464-2272 or jtu@seattletimes.com