SPRINGFIELD - Organizers who put a Christian nativity scene inside the Illinois Capitol on Tuesday say they want to see similar religious displays erected in government buildings across the nation.

Daniel Zanoza, a Lincoln resident who is chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, said the small, privately funded display, located on the east side of the first floor of the Statehouse, is meant to inspire others to exercise their constitutional rights to free expression.

"It's not meant to get in anybody's face," Zanoza said at a ceremony meant to celebrate the opening of the display. "But I believe many leaders of towns and municipalities have been intimidated by those who oppose such religious displays in public venues."

Zanoza began planning for the demonstration last summer and received permission for the display from the Illinois Secretary of State's office, which manages buildings in the Capitol complex.

The issue was reviewed by the Illinois branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, which decided not to challenge the display. Previously, the Capitol has been used to display a Jewish menorah. A large Christmas tree also has been erected annually in the Capitol Rotunda for many years.

At Tuesday's event, a choir from Villa Park sang Christmas carols. Other choirs, including one from the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur, are scheduled to perform in the Capitol later this month.

The display, which depicts the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus, is set to be dismantled Dec. 28.

Zanoza said his group plans to offer assistance and legal counsel to any Illinois citizens who may wish to put up a nativity scene in a public forum in their own communities.

Thomas Brejcha, chief counsel for the Thomas More Society, which has provided legal assistance to Zanoza's group, said the display should be treated like any other demonstration that occurs at the Capitol, whether it is a rally to save a prison from being closed or a protest against a specific piece of legislation.

"It's just a matter of equal treatment," said Brechja.

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865