Posted on December 10, 2004

Nativity Banned But Muslim, Jewish Symbols Allowed

WorldNetDaily, Dec. 10

Two prominent legal cases battling policies that outlaw public display of the Christian Nativity while allowing symbols of other religions have reached a critical stage.

In New York City, arguments will be presented Monday in a federal lawsuit challenging the city’s display of the Jewish Menorah during Hanukkah and the Islamic star and crescent during Ramadan in more than 1,200 public schools while barring Nativity scenes during Christmas.

In Florida, U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia Altonaga is expected to rule early next week on a request for a temporary restraining order that would require the town of Bay Harbor Islands to allow a Christian resident to the display the Nativity alongside existing Jewish Menorahs.

Both cases are being argued by attorneys with the Michigan-based Thomas More Law Center.

{snip}

Read the rest of this story here.

School Censors Christmas From Student Performance

WorldNetDaily, Dec. 10

An elementary school in Oklahoma pulled all references to Christmas from its holiday play at the last minute, but left in references to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

The superintendent overseeing Lakehoma Elementary School in Mustang, Okla., banned a nativity scene and the song “Silent Night” from the presentation, which was scheduled for last night, citing fears that non-Christians might be offended and file suit against the school. However, a parent reported that students sang the song at the matinee performance of the program yesterday despite the school’s decision.

Superintendent Karl Springer nixed the Christian reference based on a recommendation from the school district’s attorney, the Associated Press reported.

{snip}

Read the rest of this story here.