Town Says 'No' to Nativity Scene, 'Yes' to Menorah

Fox

[missyme]

PALM BEACH, Fla. — A federal judge has given the town of Palm Beach (search), Fla., until 5 p.m. Thursday to come up with a good reason why Christ in a manger should not be displayed next to a menorah on public property.

Town officials are saying "no" to putting up a Nativity scene next to a Jewish menorah (search) in a popular park on public property.

A few years ago, a rabbi in Palm Beach fought the same town leadership to put a menorah on public property. But after lawyers got involved, the town relented.

This year, two women wanted a Christ in a manger display next to the menorah but the town refused, saying the Nativity scene could only be placed in a lesser-trafficked park.

The women filed a lawsuit claiming discrimination and arguing that the Supreme Court (search) allows a balance of the two. For the past two years, for example, menorahs have been placed next to the more politically correct "secular holiday trees."

One of the plaintiffs told Fox News she asked to speak before the town council to make her case but was refused.

"They've discriminated against us," said Maureen Donnell. "They allow the menorahs but they have absolutely no interest in these Nativity scenes."

What Donnell and her co-plaintiff want is for the the menorah and the Nativity scene to be displayed next to each other.

But Palm Beach town attorney John Randolph said case law shows that when a menorah is placed next to a secular symbol -- such as a "secular holiday tree" -- it isn't considered a religious symbol.

[Bluntpoint]

"I'm just so verklempted! Speak amongst yourselves until my vapors subside!

[atruelady]

"But Palm Beach town attorney John Randolph said case law shows that when a menorah is placed next to a secular symbol -- such as a "secular holiday tree" -- it isn't considered a religious symbol."

That's ridiculous! A Menorah is a religious symbol wherever it is place, just like the Star of David.

[JulieRNR21]

But Palm Beach town attorney John Randolph said case law shows that when a menorah is placed next to a secular symbol -- such as a "secular holiday tree" -- it isn't considered a religious symbol.

How about putting the tree in the center & the Menorah on the left & the Nativity on the right?

That way the 'secular symbol' tree can make both of them less religious!.....These people seem to lack 'common sense' or are they discriminating against the Christian symbol?

[StonyBurk]

Seems that th eoligarchy of Despots (the Judiciary)has
also decided that a christmas Cretch is somehow more
acceptable if surrounded by popular Godless(secular) myth.
If only the schools of Law would return to the only thing
that would make them more acceptable--honor of the language
and intent of the COnstitution instead of the stupid power
plays of the modern oligarchy of despots.

[cake_crumb]

"But Palm Beach town attorney John Randolph said case law shows that when a menorah is placed next to a secular symbol -- such as a 'secular holiday tree' -- it isn't considered a religious symbol."

Case law only shows that devious attornies are capable of making judges give really stupid decisions. A menorah is a religious symbol, ESPECIALLY ON HANUKKAH.

[highlander_UW]

How about putting the tree in the center & the Menorah on the left & the Nativity on the right?

AH! you beat me to it! And while they're at it, they can put that magic tree next to the 10 commandments and then it will be imputed with the nonreligious symbol label. One further, we can make sure there is one of those magic nonreligious trees in every classroom so children can recite the pledge and Newdow would logically have to recall his complaint.

[HonkyTonkMan]

"secular holiday trees."

Mother nature is offended!

[Puppage]

"secular holiday trees."

WHAT holiday? 4th of July, Thanksgiving, WHICH holiday.

BS! CHRISTMAS TREE

From my cold, dead, sappy hands!

[missyme]

What is a secular Holiday Tree?
Scotch Pine? Douglas Fir? what about a Burning Bush?

[Corin Stormhands]

I have it on good authority that Scotch Pines are Presbyterians...

[vto]

"christmas Cretch"



Haven't seen one of those.

[JulieRNR21]

AH! you beat me to it! And while they're at it, they can put that magic tree next to the 10 commandments and then it will be imputed with the nonreligious symbol label. One further, we can make sure there is one of those magic nonreligious trees in every classroom so children can recite the pledge and Newdow would logically have to recall his complaint.

BRAVO.......Brilliant deductive reasoning.....typical of us conservatives.....LOL

[missyme]

Living in Florida once upon a time (The Arm-Pit of the world)
Palm Beach county residents have a high per-centage of folks with Dimentia.

[thoughtomator]

I have a good solution. Drive the town attorney out to the Everglades, shoot him in both knees and let him walk home.

[not-alone]

This news today made the tons of snow outside looks look wonderful, so happy to be out of Palm Beach . I wonder if they have a Menorah at the Evergreen Club?

[missyme]

Maybe they can vote on this issue with the next election...
hmmm. did they figure out how to use there ballots yet?

[BushMeister]

If they allow menorahs and nativity scenes on public property, what will the Muslims want as their contribution?

Dioramas of the WTC exploding?

[INSENSITIVE GUY]

School principal has NO AUTHORITY to ban anything!He is NOT a judge.

[Muzzle_em]

I have it on good authority that Scotch Pines are Presbyterians...


"If its not Scottish, its crap."