Florida Town Taken to Court for Prohibiting Nativity Displays

[Mike Daniels]

Sounds like this town is about to be in a world of hurt finanically.

This quote by the vice-mayor shows that he doesn't seem to have a clue either - "It is sad to see one get deeply offended by something as trivial as holiday decorations."

Given that star of David isn't just a holiday decoration and the menorah is specifically tied into the Jewish faith and observation of Hanukkah it sure sounds like this town is supporting one religious holiday over others.

http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewNation.asp?Page=\Nation\archive\200412\NAT20041203a.html


CNSNews.com) - The town of Bay Harbor Islands, Fla., is being sued by a Christian resident who has been prevented from displaying Nativity scenes during the Christmas season by city officials who allow the main street to be decorated with Jewish religious symbols for Hanukkah.

On behalf of Sandra Snowden, who has offered twice to pay for the Christmas decorations with her own money, a federal lawsuit was filed on Thursday against the town and its officials by the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

According to a statement from Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel of the center, the town has adorned the lampposts lining its main street with menorahs and stars of David and has allowed a synagogue to display its 14-foot menorah at the entrance to the city.

The lawsuit was filed after Snowden was denied permission for the second consecutive year to display a Christian nativity, Thompson added.


http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewNation.asp?Page=\Nation\archive\200412\NAT20041203a.html

[Inland]

1. Thomas More Law Center=Boy Pizza King and Catholic T. Monaghan

Building a catholic law school, not catholic like Georgetown or ND or Loyola or Marquette but by and for conservative catholics.

That being said, if you let one in you let them all in.

[Mike Daniels]

4. I'm no fan of the group bringing up charges....

but I have to agree with their objection to what this city is doing.

Their case against the school system in NY (mentioned at bottom of news article) that allows for display of Jewish and Islamic symbols but not the cross is pretty much on-target as well.

As you said, you either let them all in or none at all. I'm indifferent to whether they choose either the "all" or the "none".

[bones_7672]

2. The courts have been pretty clear on this

Bay Harbor Islands is going to get their heads handed to them on a silver platter.

[Bozita]

3. Thomas More Law Center founded and funded by Tom Monaghan (Domino's)

Also created and funded the Ave Maria Law School in Ann Arbor.

the Catholic version of Jerry Falwell.

[Mike Daniels]

5. That's beside the point....

The town is displaying symbols that are specifically Jewish and in the case of the menorah directly representative of a Jewish spiritual holiday and refusing to display at either public or private expense any other decorations.

What's not discriminatory about this?