A Christmas-themed sign outside of a firehouse in Utica, New York, is drawing the ire of atheists, who argue that its message poses a constitutional violation.
The placard, which is on display at the Utica Fire Department Station 4, reads, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS WE LOVE YOU” — a message that the Freedom From Religion Foundation is demanding be immediately taken down, according to a press release from the atheist organization.
In a letter sent to Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri on December 10, the group once again made its case against the sign, calling it illegal “religious endorsement.” This follows a previous note that the Freedom From Religion Foundation sent to fire chief Russell Brooks in April 2014 after “a concerned area resident” reached out to the group.
But Brooks ignored the earlier demands, noting that a conservative legal firm had given the firehouse legal standing to display the sign after the American Civil Liberties Union waged a similar complaint in 2007.
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12 comments:
happy birthday Jesus I love you
I, as the taxpayer/patriotic american, give them the okay to display it as well. If you have a problem with my Christianity, move to another country. We've had enough!
they will get over it
Open that door and you will have to give Muslims equal time. You want that?
F islam.
11:32 - for Pete sake, it is Jesus' birthday, why can't they say that and I love you If someone does not like the message, look the other way and drive on. I don't like Muslims but I don't have to like them, they live their life, I live mine, same way with atheists - they just need to shut up if they don't want to believe. No one wants to hear their BS.
I wonder if the people that have a problem with the "Happy Birthday Jesus"signs exchange gifts on Christmas or even celebrate it. Anyone who has a problem with a sign like that should treat CHRISTmas as another day. We don't knock the atheists for what they do or don't believe.
Atheists and others, please rest assured that any display of Christian sentiment in or on our public buildings is an expression of a belief in love, kindness and goodness, not as assault on your beliefs, whatever they may be.
Go to the Utica FD's Facebook page and give a like to the picture you see here.
https://www.facebook.com/UticaFireDepartment?rf=134743996575643
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Tim
If they don't believe in God why does it matter to them. Would they ask the fire dept. at their burning house if they believe in God and not let them put out the fire. If not then it is just being two faced.map
To an atheist, Jesus never existed. So, if the FD is wishing happy birthday to a figment of the imagination, how would saying that to an imaginary figure be offensive at all?
Unless, of course, if they really know the Truth and are afraid of that!
LOL!
Herod lives.
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