NYC bans Christmas displays, allows Jewish and Muslim displays
In a dispute over display of holiday symbols, New York City schools are allowing Jewish menorahs and Islamic crescents but barring Christian nativity scenes, alleging the depiction of the birth of Christ does not represent a historical event.
In pleadings with a federal court in defense of the ban, New York City lawyers asserted the "suggestion that a cr裨e is a historically accurate representation of an event with secular significance is wholly disingenuous."
The Jewish and Islamic symbols are allowed, the district says, because they have a secular dimension, but the Christian symbols are "purely religious."
Robert J. Muise, who will challenge the school policy at a federal court hearing tomorrow in Brooklyn, told WorldNetDaily be believes most Americans don't see it that way.
"The birth of Jesus is a historical event which serves as the basis for celebration of Christmas," Muise stated. "It's of importance for both Christians and non-Christians."
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/artic ... E_ID=35544
Supreme Court won't review NYC Xmas ban
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review an appeals court decision upholding New York City's ban on Nativity scenes in public schools.
Some parents argued the ban is unfair because displays of Muslim and Jewish symbols are allowed, Scotusblog.com reported.
In recent years, the court has found that government entities can only display Christian symbols at Christmas if they are part of a display that includes neutral symbols like Santa Claus or symbols of other religions.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/upi/2006 ... -1559r.htm
Somebody tell me how a Menorah or a Muslim moon qualifies as "historical"