BRIGHTON, N.Y. — A Brighton man is suing the town, claiming it has unfairly ignored and blocked his attempts to display a Christian nativity scene at the Twelve Corners intersection during Christmastime.
Dr. Gennaro Polverino has been trying to put up a private nativity scene at the intersection since 2023.
He says the town has ignored him at every turn, despite allowing other private religious displays like a menorah during Hannukah in 2023, 2024, and 2025. There was also a sign seen saying “Ramadan Mubarak” – although it’s not clear if that was placed by the town or a private party.
Legal argument
“When you let other groups put up religious displays, also let the Christian put up his nativity scene. Same treatment for everyone,” said Polverino’s lawyer Nathan Moelker, with the American Center for Law & Justice.
“So he just feels this frustration, [with] a thing that really shouldn’t be particularly controversial,” Moelker said.
Repeat attempts to speak with leaders
Polverino’s lawsuit claims he’s tried speaking with town leaders at least 11 times since December 2023 but has never received an official response.
He adds that Supervisor Bill Moehle has been seen at a menorah lighting in 2023. There was also a menorah lighting in 2024 and 2025, but there has never been a similar event for Christmas, according to the town calendar, town Facebook page and Moehle’s own Facebook page.
News10NBC reached out to the town five times over the course of two days, by both phone and email, but has yet to receive a response.
“[Polverino] has documented pages and pages of calls and emails and letters,” Moelker said.
Shared space
“We are not in any way trying to get rid of any of the other religious symbols. That’s not what this case is about. There’s room for everybody, right? Not drive anyone out. Not make anyone else feel unwelcome. There’s room for everybody. And that’s the kind of bottom line message that we’re trying to convey here,” Moelker said.
Moelker said they will be satisfied if the town simply allows them to set up a nativity scene.
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