Associated Press
CINCINNATI — An Ohio man who put up a “zombie Nativity” display has pleaded not guilty to a zoning violation and pledges to keep his holiday tradition alive.
Jasen Dixon, of Sycamore Township in suburban Cincinnati, says it’s a First Amendment issue. He’s been at odds with township officials the past two Decembers about his front yard display and says he made changes to comply.
It features a sharp-toothed, ghoulish figure in the manger where baby Jesus would be in traditional Christmas Nativities. It has drawn complaints, but also widespread attention.
Township officials have declared they aren’t anti-zombie, but are enforcing rules about “accessory use” structures.
Also Tuesday, a man who dressed as a zombie in an apparent show of support for Dixon was held in contempt of court for disrupting an unrelated trial.
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