RACINE - A group of local atheists aren't happy with the nativity scene on Monument Square. The manger scene, which was first erected on the square last year, is sponsored by a group of local churches.

The atheists have been unhappy ever since.

On Wednesday, they placed a large white pyramid right next to the nativity scene, on the north side of the square.

It's called the Pyramid of Freedom, said Al Sorenson of Caledonia. Sorenson and a loosely formed group of "free thinkers," came up with the idea in response to the nativity scene.

"Putting up that religious thing is a violation of the very founding of this country," Sorenson said. "Our pyramid would not be there if that manger scene was not there."

About this time last year, a group of individuals - including Sorenson, who is a member of the Madison-based Freedom from Religion Foundation - started thinking about how they'd respond to the religious symbol, which they believe has no right being displayed on public property.

"It infers that this is a Christian nation," Sorenson said. "The country has no religion. That is our objection."