Jesus Slogan Okay With Federal Judge
By: Administrative Account | Source: CNSNews.com
November 20, 2003 1:13PM EST
(CNSNews.com) - A Christian church in Fort Lauderdale may proceed with a holiday display claiming that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season," but it took a court battle for the church to get its message out.
In response to a lawsuit filed by a civil liberties group, a federal judge in Miami ordered Broward County to let the Calvary Chapel sponsor a Christmas display featuring a cross and the message noting Jesus' central role in Christmas.
The church is among dozens of businesses and organizations willing to pay up to $15,000 to take part in Broward County's annual "Holiday Fantasy of Lights." The two-mile light festival takes place at a public park in Coconut Creek, Fla., and it draws thousands of people during the holidays.
Earlier this year, Broward County rejected Calvary Chapel's design proposal because of its religious message - "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." That's when Calvary Chapel turned to the Rutherford Institute for help.
Rutherford attorneys filed a federal lawsuit defending the church's constitutional right to participate in a community event.
Attorneys pointed out that Broward County official have routinely permitted displays expressing a secular viewpoint about Christmas and Chanukah, while systematically excluding displays expressing a religious viewpoint about the holidays.
"Many Americans would agree with Calvary Chapel that Jesus is the reason for the season, and the First Amendment protects their right to publicly proclaim that belief," said John W. Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute, in a press release.
"This ruling clearly sends a message that the First Amendment protects religious speech just as it protects secular speech. Government may not, in the name of political correctness, single out the views of religious persons for discriminatory treatment," Whitehead said.
Whitehead said government officials across the country might want to remember that lesson as the holiday season draws closer.
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