Christians blast Chicago for 'Nativity' movie ban
Pastor Dale Morgan
Christians blast Chicago for 'Nativity' movie ban*
'This is one of the most blatant forms of religious discrimination
imaginable'
Posted: November 28, 2006
The so-called war on Christmas has been reignited with an ironic
decision by the city of Chicago to ban advertisements for "The Nativity
Story" movie from a local Christmas festival, fearing they might offend
non-Christians.
"This is one of the most blatant forms of religious discrimination
imaginable," said Jay Sekulow, a Christian who is chief counsel of the
American Center for Law and Justice. "To suggest that a movie about the
birth of Jesus Christ should not be included in a Christmas festival is
absurd. This transcends political correctness and centers squarely on
religious bigotry."
New Line Cinema had planned to play a loop of its film on TV monitors at
the event, but the decision by government leaders has many shaking their
heads.
Dr. Ted Baehr, chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission
and known for his MovieGuide recommendations, said that the city's ban
on the ads is "abhorrent" and he labeled Chicago officials as "corrupt."
"I'm absolutely shocked that at a Christmas festival, they would not
allow commercials they could see tonight on TV," he said. "It is just
more political correctness where everything is OK – except Christianity."
Chicago officials maintain the city doesn't wish to appear to endorse
one religion over another.
Cindy Gatziolis, a spokeswoman for the Mayor's Office of Special Events,
acknowledged there is an actual nativity scene set up in Daley Plaza,
but noted there will be representations of other faiths, including a
Jewish menorah, all put up by private groups.
"Our guidance was that this very prominently placed advertisement would
not only be insensitive to the many people of different faiths who come
to enjoy the market for its food and unique gifts, but also it would be
contrary to acceptable advertising standards suggested to the many
festivals holding events on Daley Plaza," Jim Law, executive director of
the office, said in a statement.
The ACLJ said it will send a letter to city officials and festival
organizers urging them to end their discriminatory practices and to
permit the movie to serve as a sponsor for the festival.
"The city of Chicago and festival organizers are exhibiting an
intolerance that is offensive to Christians who celebrate the birth of
Jesus Christ," Sekulow said. "The city and festival organizers must
respect the First Amendment and put an end to the discriminatory
practices. We call on the city of Chicago and festival organizers to
reverse the decision and permit 'The Nativity Story' to serve as a
sponsor of the Christmas festival."