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County makes diversity star of the holidays

There will be no Grinch at the Government Center, no Ebenezer Scrooge at Starkey Wilderness Park, and no Mr. Potter at Pasco's library branches. Villains are out this holiday season.

Well, not quite. If someone wanted to erect an antiholiday display, paying tribute to Dickens' Scrooge or other holiday humbugs, the inclusion zone would be just as accommodating at county-owned property.

That is the result of a new county policy to ensure Christmas trees, nativity scenes, menorahs even a Festivus pole are able to share space. The plan is intended to avoid repeating the brouhaha of 2004 in which the county temporarily ordered the removal of Christmas trees from libraries after questions arose about a public request to place a menorah nearby. County administrators eventually reversed the decision and allowed the Christmas trees to remain.

This year's more thoughtful approach is nothing if not thorough. Three pages of rules state people may install displays "of whatever nature" to coincide with the winter holiday season on the courthouse lawn, in front of the government center and libraries and in areas of county parks that are considered traditional public forums. The county won't regulate the displays' content unless questions of obscenity, defamation or similar legal issues are raised. People erecting the displays must notify the county in advance, follow the installation guidelines and include the disclaimer "Display created, erected and sponsored by private citizens. Not endorsed or sponsored by Pasco County."

The county's own displays in foyers, break rooms, fire stations, elderly nutrition dining halls and other spots will focus on secular, not religious aspects of the holidays. Gingerbread houses are okay, mangers are not. Similar rules in neighboring Polk County brought national attention last year when the alternative holiday displays celebrated Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion, and Festivus, the fictional holiday embraced by George Costanza's father in the television show Seinfeld. Polk eventually removed the single sign reading "Festivus for the Rest of Us. Donated to Polk County by the Seinfeld Fan Club" because nobody submitted the appropriate application for it to remain.

The possibilities this year are just as silly, but give credit to the Pasco County legal staff for devising rules intended to protect First Amendment principals while separating the government from endorsing religious expression.

Making sure all displays are welcome should circumvent the Festivus-like airing of the grievances.

[Last modified November 29, 2005, 02:15:28]