Washington state officials have refused a small Nativity scene that a Catholic group sent to Gov. Chris Gregoire for the state Capitol. The Olympian reports state policy no long allows nongovernment displays inside Capitol buildings. The Department of General Administration says they may be displayed outside, if the meet certain conditions. The Nativity scene was sent to all 50 governors by the New York City-based Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights/Associated Press. More here.

Question: Our annual debate re: 'war on Christmas' begins with this post. Is the state of Washington being anal retentive in rejecting a nativity scene in state capital from Catholics?