Local group wants church signs removed in Oconomowoc

A battle is brewing in Oconomowoc over signs from area churches, signs that welcome people to the city.

A state group believes the signs are unconstitutional. 

The Freedom From Religion Foundation says it was the complaint from a neighbor which has them calling for the city to remove signs from the area.

In a letter to the city, the group says that the signs which read "The churches of Oconomowoc welcome you" sends a message to non-Christians that they are not "favored members of the political community."

The signs are near Bender Park and on East Wisconsin Avenue which the group believes is public property. The group says a resident contacted them about the signs and that's what prompted them to write the city a letter asking officials to remove them.

Neighbors say the signs have been around for decades and were recently remodeled last year.

The group also says the city told them they're working to figure out whether the signs are on public or private property. 

"When we hear a complaint that a government is violating the First Amendment by promoting religion, we take immediate action. We do everything we can to fix these issues outside of court, but if the government is not willing to do what needs to be done to fix the problem, we will consider taking further legal action."

CBS 58 has reached out to the city personally to get their side of the story. They tell us, they have no comment.

Stay with CBS 58 News for more information on this developing story.