CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) – Under the dark cover of night, 15 pink flamingos donning Santa hats descended on City Hall, perching themselves between a Nativity scene and menorah.

The plastic pink flock had its own holiday message: “Wishing you a festive Flamingo Day,” a note next to them said. “In the spirit of the Great Flamingo, spread love, peace and frivolity to your neighbors and the world! A message from the Church of the Pink Flamingo.”

They’re amid a veritable menagerie of holiday decorations on the City Hall lawn, which Mayor Steve Laffey opened up for all kinds of displays – from a menorah to an inflatable Santa Claus, an inflatable snowman to a Nativity scene (the latter put up by a Jewish man in honor of his deceased wife, a Christian).

The flamingos popped up after Scott Bonelli saw news reports about disputes over the display of religious symbols on city property. Although Bonelli said he applauds the expression of different views, he didn’t think it was right for the mayor to decide which displays were appropriate.

“I was trying to be a little bit tongue and cheek,” said Bonelli, 36, of Cranston. “It’s not a big ugly protest, it’s more to get people to think.”

The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union plans to file a federal lawsuit over the religious displays, said Steven Brown, ACLU executive director.

“The mayor claims that he’s just allowed private groups to do what they want, but the fact of the matter is, the mayor has sole approval power,” Brown said.

According to the city’s policy on decorations, the lawn would serve as a “limited public forum” for holiday displays from Dec. 5 through Jan. 1, and all citizens wishing to leave displays must get approval from Laffey’s office and sign a waiver releasing the city from liability if a display is damaged.

“It’s my way of saying to the people of Cranston, ‘This is your land, and if you want to set up some appropriate holiday displays, go ahead,”‘ Laffey said.

“Quite frankly, the flamingos are fairly tasteful,” Laffey said.

The flock of flamingos appeared on the lawn late Tuesday. Laffey said when his office noticed the birds and the note left with them Wednesday morning, officials contacted Bonelli, who signed a waiver and got city approval.

Roger DeSilva, 60, of Cranston, said he sees both sides of the debate, and he can appreciate the humor behind the flamingos.

“It must be a tribute to all the elderly going to Florida, to get them ready for their trip,” DeSilva chuckled, as he sat at Caffe Bon-Ami Inc., working on a crossword puzzle.

AP-ES-12-18-03 1643EST