'Political correctness' gone mad
Jews, Muslims unite to rip court's tree removal
By KEVIN CONNOR, TORONTO SUN
Non-Christian organizations are leading the condemnation of a Toronto judge's decision to have a Christmas tree removed from the lobby of a provincial courthouse.
Justice Marion Cohen ordered the decorated tree to be moved on Monday from the lobby of the Ontario Court of Justice at 311 Jarvis St. to an out-of-the-way administrative corridor on grounds it is a Christian symbol that alienates people of other creeds and traditions.
When Katalin Toth saw the Sun story on the removed tree, she took time off from her cleaning company to protest outside the courthouse yesterday.
"I can't take any more of this political correctness. I don't like the idea of removing the tree, which is a tradition and it is as simple as that," she said.
The judge's move is contrary to Canada's multicultural spirit, according to B'nai Brith Canada.
"In Canada, we are taught to celebrate our differences and whenever possible to reasonably accommodate our neighbours. The vibrancy of our multicultural society depends on us being exposed in positive ways to each other's religious practices," said Frank Dimant, executive vice-president of B'nai Brith.
'CULTURAL UNIQUENESS'
"Canadians should be welcome to celebrate the religious and cultural uniqueness of their holidays and that ought to include, for example, Christmas trees at this time of year in public places, or menorahs being displayed during the Hanukkah season."
The Muslim Canadian Congress also expressed dismay.
"This is stupidity and takes political correctness to new heights," said Farzana Hassan, president of the MCC.
"We should ban political correctness, not the Christmas tree. The judge was creating an unnecessary issue and looking for problems where none exist."
Hassan said the MCC has urged all Muslims to celebrate with their Christian cousins and light Christmas trees to send a message to the judge she is wrong on all counts.
