The Mexican Bishops' Conference (CEM) has issued a statement advocating for the protection of religious liberty in response to the possibility of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) prohibiting Nativity scenes on public property.

The controversy arose when a civil association in Yucatán sought to ban Nativity scenes in several municipalities, claiming that it violated the secular nature of the state.

The case has reached the SCJN, and this week the justices will discuss one of the lawsuits filed against the municipality of Mérida. The bishops emphasize that religious freedom extends beyond worship and includes freedom of thought, conscience, expression, and cultural traditions, which are recognized in the constitution and international treaties.

The CEM emphasized that democratic states are designed to serve and promote the freedoms of every individual and community, contrasting them with authoritarian regimes that restrict such freedoms.

They emphasized the need for an open and collaborative understanding of the secular state, one that fosters human rights and enables comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable human development without suppressing religious expressions within society.

Regarding the upcoming discussion on Nativity scenes in the Supreme Court, the bishops urged the justices to prioritize religious freedom, the secular state, plurality, and freedom of choice. They called for a resolution that aligns with a modern and inclusive perspective, rather than an ideology of a secular state that infringes upon the fundamental right to religious freedom.

The statement also affirmed that the Mexican state serves all citizens by promoting their freedoms, social justice, and respecting diverse cultural expressions.