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Liberty Counsel’s Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign Gains Ground
Press Release
The War on Christmas Still Rages in Parks, Cities, Housing Facilities and Public Schools
Orlando, FL – In the past few weeks, Liberty Counsel has handled scores of cases in defense of Christmas as part of its Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign, which is described at Liberty Counsel. Although many situations have been resolved, many remain in process. Below is a sample.
Portsmouth, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ordered all of the state parks to remove Nativity scenes, citing a complaint in Portsmouth. Liberty Counsel sent a letter and legal memorandum to ODNR and mobilized supporters to contact state officials. The next day, ODNR sent an email stating that the Governor's office “reviewed the matter and asked that the Division continue prior holiday traditions. Although some have questioned the propriety of including nativity scenes in such displays, the Governor believes that they are an established and appropriate part of our holiday tradition.”
Racine, WI – Two years ago, Robert Wortock encountered opposition when he started pressing the town to celebrate Christmas, but his persistence has paid off. His pro-Christmas efforts were rejected by the town in 2005, but in 2006 he gained approval for a Nativity scene, Christmas tree and Christmas banners. This year, the town’s annual parade featured a live Nativity scene.
Plant City, FL – A senior housing facility that receives federal funding through HUD informed residents that no religious Christmas decorations were permitted. Liberty Counsel informed the facility manager that federal fair housing laws do not allow the facility to ban the residents from celebrating Christmas with religious décor. The facility residents were again permitted to display religious Christmas symbols. A few days later, HUD issued a statement reminding facilities that HUD “continues to strongly support and respect the display of all religious symbols on properties receiving HUD assistance.”
Teaneck, NJ – Last year the town agreed to allow a Nativity scene because it displayed a menorah and Christmas trees. However, when the Nativity scene was displayed, it was placed behind a tree so it could not be seen. This year, a resident complained that the Nativity was hidden. The town moved the location of the Nativity so it could be seen as part of the display. A second attempt to hide the display was made during the lighting ceremony, when each display was lit with a spotlight except the Nativity scene. The resident spoke up once again, and the Nativity scene was permitted to shine with all the others.
Fort Collins, CO – A city-appointed “Holiday Display Task Force” urged Fort Collins to not use the colors red and green, since they are associated with Christmas. They proposed that decorations include white lights, winter symbols not associated with any holiday, and unadorned garlands of greenery. They suggested the city remove ornaments or stars from trees and red ribbons from wreaths. Liberty Counsel issued a letter warning the City Council that such censorship is not well-grounded in legal precedent. The City Council voted 6-1 to reject the recommendation and will maintain its Christmas decorations.
Mosinee, WI – A teacher told the entire class that students must call Christmas “The Winter Festival” or another name so others will not be offended. Liberty Counsel is working with a parent to resolve the issue.
Mathew D. Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: “Those who downplay the war on Christmas or believe that the war is over have obviously not been answering the phones at Liberty Counsel.”
Press Release
The War on Christmas Still Rages in Parks, Cities, Housing Facilities and Public Schools
Orlando, FL – In the past few weeks, Liberty Counsel has handled scores of cases in defense of Christmas as part of its Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign, which is described at Liberty Counsel. Although many situations have been resolved, many remain in process. Below is a sample.
Portsmouth, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ordered all of the state parks to remove Nativity scenes, citing a complaint in Portsmouth. Liberty Counsel sent a letter and legal memorandum to ODNR and mobilized supporters to contact state officials. The next day, ODNR sent an email stating that the Governor's office “reviewed the matter and asked that the Division continue prior holiday traditions. Although some have questioned the propriety of including nativity scenes in such displays, the Governor believes that they are an established and appropriate part of our holiday tradition.”
Racine, WI – Two years ago, Robert Wortock encountered opposition when he started pressing the town to celebrate Christmas, but his persistence has paid off. His pro-Christmas efforts were rejected by the town in 2005, but in 2006 he gained approval for a Nativity scene, Christmas tree and Christmas banners. This year, the town’s annual parade featured a live Nativity scene.
Plant City, FL – A senior housing facility that receives federal funding through HUD informed residents that no religious Christmas decorations were permitted. Liberty Counsel informed the facility manager that federal fair housing laws do not allow the facility to ban the residents from celebrating Christmas with religious décor. The facility residents were again permitted to display religious Christmas symbols. A few days later, HUD issued a statement reminding facilities that HUD “continues to strongly support and respect the display of all religious symbols on properties receiving HUD assistance.”
Teaneck, NJ – Last year the town agreed to allow a Nativity scene because it displayed a menorah and Christmas trees. However, when the Nativity scene was displayed, it was placed behind a tree so it could not be seen. This year, a resident complained that the Nativity was hidden. The town moved the location of the Nativity so it could be seen as part of the display. A second attempt to hide the display was made during the lighting ceremony, when each display was lit with a spotlight except the Nativity scene. The resident spoke up once again, and the Nativity scene was permitted to shine with all the others.
Fort Collins, CO – A city-appointed “Holiday Display Task Force” urged Fort Collins to not use the colors red and green, since they are associated with Christmas. They proposed that decorations include white lights, winter symbols not associated with any holiday, and unadorned garlands of greenery. They suggested the city remove ornaments or stars from trees and red ribbons from wreaths. Liberty Counsel issued a letter warning the City Council that such censorship is not well-grounded in legal precedent. The City Council voted 6-1 to reject the recommendation and will maintain its Christmas decorations.
Mosinee, WI – A teacher told the entire class that students must call Christmas “The Winter Festival” or another name so others will not be offended. Liberty Counsel is working with a parent to resolve the issue.
Mathew D. Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: “Those who downplay the war on Christmas or believe that the war is over have obviously not been answering the phones at Liberty Counsel.”
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