FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  A federal court ruled a church may display a cross and sign reading "Jesus is the reason for the season" in a government-sponsored holiday lights attraction.
According to The Associated Press, Calvary Chapel claimed unconstitutional censorship when county officials denied its request to display the cross at the Broward County Holiday Festival of Lights. (See related story, Religious message barred from holiday attraction, church files suit).
"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."
A county policy issued in October 2002 on holiday displays discourages some religious symbols, including Nativity scenes and crucifixes, on county property but allows menorahs, the news service reported.
The annual two-month, two-mile drive-through display draws more than 250,000 visitors to Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Sponsors pay $15,000 to join hundreds of other private displays in the show, which begins Nov. 22.
A county attorney rejected the church's message in April, but then approved the cross and message in June. He withdrew approval in August, prompting the suit. Calvary Chapel Pastor Bob Coy told the news service the county threatened the cancel the 11th annual event after the church insisted on its message.
