California’s Sonoma County has ordered officials to remove angels, stars and other religious symbols from Christmas trees in county buildings over concerns they violate the Constitution.
The actions followed a complaint brought by resident Irv Sutley, an atheist with a history of fighting the inclusion of religion and religious symbols in public meetings and buildings. Following the complaint, Sonoma County officials conferred with their lawyers, and on Monday the acting county administrator, Chris Thomas, asked county departments to remove stars, angels or any other religious symbols “so that we can celebrate the season yet not appear to endorse Christian or other religious doctrines.” Thomas cited the 1989 Supreme Court decision of Allegheny v. A.C.L.U., which stated that “while Christmas trees could be seen as secular, they could also be seen as religious if decorated with religious symbols.” Sutley’s complaint did not extend to trees, or to “snowflake ornaments, glass bulbs and colorful lights.”
For the full article from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat click here. To get just a taste of Sonoma County citizens’ responses to the action scroll to the bottom and click on “view all comments on this topic.” Warning: you may not want to have young children looking over your shoulder.
We are determined not to contribute to the holiday BLUZ. Our families would want it no other way. Check back in on January 4, and have a happy holiday season!
