Last week, we learned the city of Piedmont, Alabama was having a Christmas parade on December 4 with the theme “Let’s Keep Christ in Christmas”:
The Freedom From Religion Foundation wrote a letter to city officials warning them of the constitutional problems:
The theme “alienates non-Christians and others in Piedmont who do not in fact have a ‘strong belief in prayers’ by turning them into political outsiders in their own community,” wrote Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel.
“The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the government from endorsing, advancing or promoting religion. A government celebration of Christmas is only permissible because courts have ruled certain aspects of the holiday, such as Christmas trees, to be secular symbols. The sentiment of ‘Keeping Christ in Christmas’ does not qualify” as a secular celebration, Seidel explained.
And just like that, an attorney for the city responded, letting FFRF know that the theme would be changed immediately. It’ll now be known as the Piedmont Christmas Parade, and at least one city’s website already reflects that.
The Catholic League’s Bill Donohue was all excited about the original name. Wonder if he’ll still be proud of the city for merely celebrating Christmas. Or is that not good enough for him anymore?
(Image via elina / Shutterstock.com. Portions of this article were published earlier)
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