Cite as: 515 U. S. 753 (1995)
Stevens, J., dissenting
equally objectionable. Moreover, the fact that the State has placed its stamp of approval on two different religions instead of one only compounds the constitutional violation. The Establishment Clause does not merely prohibit the State from favoring one religious sect over others. It also proscribes state action supporting the establishment of a number of religions,16 as well as the official endorsement of religion in preference to nonreligion. Wallace v. Jaffree, 472 U. S., at 52-55. The State's prior approval of the pro-religious message conveyed by the menorah is fully consistent with its endorsement of one of the messages conveyed by the cross: "The State of Ohio favors religion over irreligion." This message is incompatible with the principles embodied by our Establishment Clause.
The record identifies two other examples of freestanding displays that the State previously permitted in Capitol Square: a "United Way Campaign 'thermometer,' " and "craftsmen's booths and displays erected during an Arts Festival." 17 App. to Pet. for Cert. A16. Both of those examples confirm the proposition that a reasonable observer should infer official approval of the message conveyed by a structure erected in front of the statehouse. Surely the thermometer suggested that the State was encouraging passersby to contribute to the United Way. It seems equally clear that the State was endorsing the creativity of artisans and craftsmen by permitting their booths to occupy a part of the square. Nothing about either of those freestanding displays contradicts the normal inference that the State has endorsed whatever message might be conveyed by permit-would find that the State is powerless to place, or allow to be placed, any religious symbol—including a menorah or a cross—in front of its seat of government.
16 See Allegheny, 492 U. S., at 647-649 (Stevens, J., dissenting).
17 The booths were attended during the festival itself, but were left standing overnight during the pendency of the event. App. 159.
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