Results: Religious Christmas sign in Downtown Kelowna taken down
Published on 12/12/2024
Source: https://www.kelownacapnews.com/local-news/religious-christmas-sign-in-downtown-kelowna-taken-down-7698837

QUESTIONS
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Comments
1.
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A Kelowna, BC group with concerns over a holiday sign in the downtown core has apparently got their wish. Each year, the Knights of Columbus put up a nativity scene display as part of the downtown Christmas decorations. The Knights go through a permitting process to do this, according to the City of Kelowna. Does your town or city have any nativity scene displays?

Yes
33%
865 votes
No
32%
843 votes
Undecided
24%
616 votes
Not Applicable
11%
276 votes
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This year, a sign saying "Keep Christ in Christmas" was part of the display, upsetting some people in the community, including the Kelowna Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists Association (KASHA). On Monday, Dec. 9, (KASHA) expressed in a letter that it understands the nativity scene is part of Christmas symbols like "lights, festive trees, and other decorative displays." But KASHA had concerns with the "Keep Christ in Christmas" sign. "This message is not merely festive—it is political, advocating for a specific religious interpretation of the holiday," said KASHA in its letter to Black Press Media. Do you agree that the sign "Keep Christ in Christmas" is political? Yes
20%
515 votes
No
53%
1379 votes
Undecided
16%
411 votes
Not Applicable
11%
295 votes
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"It may appear inoffensive and inconsequential for the city to endorse one religion so overtly. But it is important to understand that this does impact people of other faiths, and people who have no religious beliefs. It makes them feel less Canadian." Do you think Christmas or holiday signs should be non-religious? Yes
19%
490 votes
No
48%
1248 votes
Undecided
21%
533 votes
Not Applicable
13%
329 votes
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The sign has since been removed. According to the city, the sign wasn't part of the permit. It was taken down on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Do you agree the sign should be removed? Yes
21%
538 votes
No
46%
1202 votes
Undecided
21%
542 votes
Not Applicable
12%
318 votes
COMMENTS