French court bans Christmas nativity scene

[Still Waters]

Officials in the western French town of La Roche-Sur-Yon have had to dismantle a nativity scene, in the latest row over the country's secular traditions.

A judge in Nantes ruled that it was a "religious emblem" and incompatible with the French principle of "religious neutrality in public spaces".

Town officials have reluctantly removed a figure of baby Jesus, plaster animals and a desk-sized stable they had erected in the local council building.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...europe-30326257

[Patient Zero]

"This decision is grotesque," said Senator Bruno Retailleau in a statement.

"Next we'll be banning epiphany cakes at the Elysee Palace."

i'm not quite sure what an epiphany cake is but it sounds delicious.

As for the decision to remove the Nativity scene, tough meatballs! The law is the law!

[keithisco]

This from the article:

He also argued that it was unfair as in Paris the mayor hosted a dinner celebrating the Muslim month of Ramadan every year

[+OverSword]

It seems like the law is pretty clear. If they don't like it then they should have they're representatives start legislation to remove the law about religious symbols in public spaces.

That bit quoted by keithisco above seems a bit pandering and should be stopped unless he does the same thing at Christmas and Hanukkah.

[rashore]

Shoot, I wish they would nix all the decor... but celebrate all the food! I think it would be nice to explore culinary delights of every festival all season long, with zero bickering over the decor all season long.

[Ealdwita]

Why oh why do they keep dragging religion into Christmas?

[karmakazi]

I'm liking this policiy of "religious neutrality in public spaces"....religious neutrality for all!

[stevewinn]

Well its stories like this which will no doubt help with the ever increasing rise of the Front National led by Marine Le Pen.