Supporters of Republican presidential contender Ted Cruz hosted a nativity scene on the State Capitol grounds Saturday evening, drawing a small counter-protest.
Cruz supporters say they held a live nativity scene and sang carols on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing Saturday because they wanted to celebrate both Christmas and religious liberty.
But some protesters apparently thought the nativity scene didn't belong.
Several wore colanders on their heads--a reference to the "Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster," which is widely considered a joke religion. Nevertheless, its followers discourage displays like the one Cruz supporters put up Saturday evening.
One protester carried a hand-made sign that read "Protect the separation of church and state. It protects us all."
But Sean Bertolino, the chairman of the Capital Area Ted Cruz for President group, says history is on their side.
"There are some who think that there is a separation of church and state in America, yet with an understanding of American history--who we were, what we've come from--you don't really see that. You see a lot of church and state mingled quite frequently, and it's not until recently that has been questioned and challenged. And I think it's really a matter of understanding history," said Betrolino.
Cruz (R-TX) was not at the event.
