War On Christmas In Canada

We’ll do one final War on Christmas post before move on to other subjects (expecting to have to deal with the same subject next year).

This time from Canada:

A Toronto judge is standing firm by her decision to keep a Christmas tree out of her downtown courthouse lobby, despite backlash from the public and objection from Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Justice Marion Cohen’s order caused one protester to show up at the Jarvis Street courthouse Friday and display her disgust.

Kaitlin Toph marched out front holding a placard that read, “Mrs. Grinch, was it in the name of intolerance to get rid of the Christmas tree? Shame on you. Merry Christmas.”

“I am all for immigration and multiculturalism, no problem with it whatsoever,” Toph told CTV News. “I have many friends who are from other cultures. They respect my views and I respect theirs, but there is another way of doing something like that.

“If they put a menorah or any other religious symbol, I have no objection, but leave the Christmas tree alone.”

Cohen ordered the tiny plastic tree removed earlier this week, saying it’s not an appropriate symbol to non-Christians. In a letter to staff, she said courthouse visitors are “confronted” with it, which makes them feel “they are not part of this institution.”

Employees called the move stupid and insulting, saying the tree has been a lobby staple for decades.

The story has triggered a flurry of angry responses from CTV viewers and readers.

A number of Christmas trees are on full display inside other public institutions, including at the Ontario legislature, Toronto City Hall and at Nathan Phillips Square. There are also trees inside the Old City Hall courts.

Lawyers at the Jarvis Street courthouse were also upset and puzzled. McGuinty slammed the judge’s order, calling it “unfortunate.”

The logic of what ought to be done is overpowering.

Accommodating greater religious and cultural diversity is properly done by recognizing traditions in addition to Christian ones.

And not by censoring Christian religious traditions.

The problem here is that the anti-Christmas crowd does not consist of people who want to respect diverse traditions. It consists of people who have a grudge against Christians and Christianity.