Despite objections from hundreds of residents, a nativity scene that has long been part of Wadena, Minnesota's, Christmas decorations will no longer be displayed.

Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation threatened to file a lawsuit and that resulted in City Council action to donate the replicas of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus to a private group.

Mayor George Deiss said the nativity scene has been displayed at Burlington Northern Park for as long as anyone in the city can remember.

Freedom From Religion Foundation attorney Patrick Elliot said although it may be a tradition, it shouldn't be allowed to violate separation of church and state.

Elliot said the foundation gets dozens of similar complaints across the United States each year.

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