Christmas Tree and Menorah Welcomed, But Nativity Banned By State of Washington

Liberty Counsel ^ | 12.22.06

[Coleus]

Governor Chris Gregoire lit a Menorah in a celebration at the state Capitol on Monday, and at the same celebration, accepted the gift of a Menorah for her home. The Menorah that was lit during the ceremony is displayed in the Capitol rotunda with a Christmas tree. However, when a local resident asked for a Nativity scene to be displayed with the Menorah and the tree, the Governor refused. This morning, at the request of a local resident, Liberty Counsel faxed a letter to Governor Gregoire along with our Legal Memorandum on the constitutionality of displaying religious symbols during the December holiday celebrations. The letter explains that the state cannot show preference for one faith over another by allowing a Menorah while refusing a Nativity scene.

A spokesman for the state claimed that officials were concerned that a Nativity might carry a stronger impression of government endorsement of religion, but there was not enough time to research the issue. However, U.S. Supreme Court precedent clearly shows that both a Menorah and a Nativity are both religious symbols. The state cannot legally allow a Menorah to be displayed while rejecting a Nativity. This is an issue that is widely discussed every year all across the nation. It also takes little effort to determine that a state cannot legally prefer one religion over another.

Last December, Liberty Counsel filed suit against the cities of Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach on behalf of local resident Ken Koenig for refusing to allow a nativity scene in a local park. The towns allowed a Menorah display in the same park. Initially, the towns insisted that the Menorah was a secular symbol, but agreed to allow the display shortly before a hearing in federal court.

The Supreme Court has recognized that the Menorah is a religious symbol for the Jewish faith, while a Christmas tree is a secular symbol. The state showed preference for one faith over another by lighting a Menorah while refusing a request to display a Nativity scene. Religious preference is forbidden by the Constitution.

Anita L. Staver, President of Liberty Counsel stated: "Every year government officials repeat the same mistakes over and over by banning Nativity scenes from December holiday celebrations. The Constitutional principles are crystal clear. The state of Washington cannot favor one religion over another by allowing a Menorah while refusing a crèche."

[goodnesswins]

She's NOT our Governor....she's a pretender.

[rawcatslyentist]

>"Initially, the towns insisted that the Menorah was a secular symbol"

The Nativity is also a secular symbol, just axe the porpoise driven churchies.

[pandoraou812]

If all religions are not going to be equally represented then have none. I am so sick of people saying the Christmas tree is for Christians. Its not. I am also sick of people afraid of the ACLUA. This political correctness bs needs to stop. So Merry Christmas to everyone! ~~Pandora~~

[longtermmemmory]

Christmas tree is not christmas.

They allow all the other religious symbols but not the true Christmas symbol!

part of this is because some lawyers allow the fiction that the menorah is not a jewish symbol (it is merely historic). It is a flimsy lie to allow the discrimination against the nativity set ups.

[redpoll]

What ever happened to that little phrase in the first amendment about government not prohibiting the free exercise of religion? I always wonder that as I read stories like this.

[BW2221]

I don't see how a Christmas tree, which is now ofter called a holiday tree, is the same as a Menorah, which has obvious religious significance. Anyone ever hear of a Menorah being called a holiday candelabra.?/p>

[Vicki]

Just great, another negative to bring attention to our state.

Anyone contemplating moving here better be aware of the political climate. Elections here are just to make you feel good because our "enlightened" leaders know what is best for us and will make the necessary "adjustments" in case we goof up and vote the wrong way.

[uptoolate]

The Constitutional principles are crystal clear. The state of Washington cannot favor one religion over another

Is this an accurate statement?

[BW2221]

And the Seahawks are starting to resemble the Lions.

[Proud_USA_Republican]

That fruad better enjoy her last days as governor, because she isn't getting a second term.

[garylmoore]

The Nativity is also a secular symbol

I hardly think so, it represents the birth of our presious Savior to all nations.

[lionheart 247365]

The tree is a sectular symbol .The Menorah is a religous symbol , but that's OK because the jews do not believe in Jesus . Anything anti-christian is acceptable .

[maxsand]

"Mere mention of the word religion has caused eruptions of animalistic rage among National Socialists."

EWALD VON KLEIST-SCHMENZIN
National Socialism: A Menace
Der Nationalsozialismus (Berlin: Verlag Neue Gesellschaft, 1932).

[vox_freedom]

I don't see how a Christmas tree, which is now ofter called a holiday tree, is the same as a Menorah, which has obvious religious significance. Anyone ever hear of a Menorah being called a holiday candelabra.?

[ndt]

"They allow all the other religious symbols but not the true Christmas symbol! "

The Christmas tree is a religious symbol? Which religion is that?

Jeremiah 10 2-8

1 Hear what the LORD says to you, O house of Israel.

2 This is what the LORD says: "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them.

3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.

4 They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.

5 Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."

6 No one is like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.

7 Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.

8 They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols. "

[longtermmemmory]

Christmas tree is just a decoration, not a true symbol.

If there was Christmas symbol parity, then the nativity should be there not the plastic tree or frosty the snowman.

[rbmillerjr]

Agreed.

The best comparison to a menhora would be a cross. They both are religious symbols that have deep meaning for each religion.