Town officials to decide whether to allow atheist holiday banner
BETHEL (AP) — A Connecticut community will decide whether to allow an atheist banner wishing people "happy holidays" to be erected in a town park where a nativity scene is being displayed.
The Bethel Board of Selectmen will vote Tuesday on the request from resident James Naddeo.
After meeting with another resident who helped raise money for the nativity display, Naddeo has agreed to revise his original message on the banner, which said, "This season, no matter what you celebrate or why, Happy Holidays! — your atheist neighbors."
First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker tells the News-Times it appears the town cannot legally reject the banner, even though some residents oppose it. He says if Bethel allows a religious display, it cannot deny a non-religious display.
He says the town also cannot edit the wording.
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.