A special task force for Fort Collins, CO has recommended banning colored lights in public places because they send a message to some residents that "their traditions are not valued and not wanted."
From "Red, green lights to be banned?" posted 11/6/07 at worldnetdaily.com
A special task force in a Colorado city has recommended banning red and green lights at the Christmas holiday because they fall among the items that are too religious for the city to sponsor.
"Some symbols, even though the Supreme Court has declared that in many contexts they are secular symbols, often still send a message to some members of the community that they and their traditions are not valued and not wanted. We don't want to send that message," Seth Anthony, a spokesman for the committee, told the Fort Collins, Colo., Coloradoan.
He said the recommended language does not specifically address Christmas trees by name, but the consensus was that they would not fall within acceptable decorations.
What will be allowed are white lights and "secular" symbols not associated "with any particular holiday" such as icicles, unadorned greenery and snowflakes, the task force said.
The group was made up of members of the city's business and religious communities as well as representatives from some community groups. Members met for months to review the existing holiday display policy, which allowed white as well as multi-colored lights and wreaths and garlands.
In previous years, there also was a Christmas tree at the city's Oak Street Plaza.
A vote on the proposal will be coming up before the city council on Nov. 20, officials said.
Our friend Clive thinks they are going to have to ban penguins too:
"...allowing penguins in a holiday display is one step closer to the treacherous descent into theocracy. Penguins live near snow; snow is found at the North Pole; the North Pole is associated with Saint Nicholas; Saint Nicholas was a bishop who celebrated Christmas; Christmas decorations in the public square make some feel left out; feeling left out may lead to a desire to participate in Christmas festivities; this desire to participate in Christmas festivities points to government complicity in the establishment of a state religion. That's it -- penguins are out. In fact, snow is out too. "
Read more about this nonsense.
