Florida Church Can Proclaim: Jesus is the Reason for the Season

November 22, 2003

Source: The Associated Press

http://www.fac.org/rel_liberty/publiclife/news.aspx?id=12256

On November 22, 2003 The Associated Press reported that "a church can display a cross and a sign reading 'Jesus is the reason for the season' in a holiday lights attraction at a Broward County park, a federal judge ruled on Nov. 19. Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale claimed unconstitutional censorship after months of wrangling with county officials over its plans to join community displays at the Holiday Festival of Lights. 'This ruling clearly sends a message that the First Amendment protects religious speech just as it protects secular speech,' said John W. Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute, which defends religious freedoms. 'Government may not, in the name of political correctness, single out the views of religious persons for discriminatory treatment.'"