On Sunday, California will become the nation’s 12^th state to host a Nativity scene in its state Capitol building.

The liberal state is often decried as a hostile place for Christians to espouse their faith. Pro-life pregnancy care centers are required to refer for abortions, and insurance companies are required to insure abortion as part of “basic health care services.”

But that didn’t stop the American Nativity Scene Committee, which aims to have a Nativity scene in every state Capitol across the country. In a press release first provided to The Stream, local organizers Corrina Konczal and her husband David said they “are proud to place this beautiful nativity scene on the steps of the Capitol during the Christmas season. It is a tangible expression of our privately-held faith.”

According to Konczal, who worked with the Sacramento Nativity Scene Ad Hoc Committee and other volunteers, “The Capitol steps are a public space where all citizens can proclaim their values and opinions, and we are excited that the Christ child will now be part of the viewpoints represented in this space. We look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”

Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel of the legal group Thomas More Society, said in a statement, “The nativity scene at the State Capitol represents constitutionally-protected free speech and expression of religious faith by private citizens in a traditional public forum.” According to Brejcha, “At the State Capitol, where political rallies are routinely held, the government is merely the gatekeeper upholding free speech.”

An official ceremony for the privately-funded, privately constructed Nativity scene will take place on December 18 at 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Bishop Myron Cotta of the Diocese of Sacramento will provide a special blessing, and there will be Christmas carols.

California is the second state this week to newly host a Nativity scene in its Capitol. Iowa became the 11^th state to do so on Monday.