Christians in deep red state proudly tote crosses at July 4th parade after lawmakers tried to ban display of religious symbols
Christians in Idaho who had been banned from carrying religious symbols during their 4th of July parade came out in force on Thursday proudly toting crosses.
Those who attended the Independence Day parade in Coeur d’Alene in the deep red state could be seen proudly waving crosses alongside the star spangled banner.
As some carried crosses alongside Old Glory, others wore t-shirts with the symbol of the cross emblazoned across it.
The move by locals came after the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber reversed a policy which had banned the use of religious symbols in the July 4 parade.
New regulations that had been implemented had banned 'symbols associated with specific political movements, religions or ideologies', branding them unacceptable.
Those who attended the Independence Day parade in Coeur d’Alene in the deep red state could be seen proudly waving crosses alongside the star spangled banner
Linda Coppess, chamber president and CEO, told the Coeur d’Alene Press that the change in policy had been brought in after they received complaints last year.
According to Coppess, the chamber had received over 50 complaints about signs and symbols that were deemed offensive last year.
These had included Confederate flags, derogatory illustrations, harsh political based language and graphic images.
To address that, the chamber consulted national organizations to bring about a change in policy, according to Coppess.
She said: 'The original policy was not meant to isolate individuals or be considered an anti-religious policy
'Our intention with this policy was simple: to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.'
An outcry had gained momentum over the weekend in the city about the policy before it quickly changed last week.
In u-turning on the policy, Coppess said: 'As a person of deep faith, the recent events and accusations have been especially heartbreaking.
As some carried crosses alongside Old Glory, others wore t-shirts with the symbol of the cross emblazoned across it
New regulations that had been implemented had banned 'symbols associated with specific political movements, religions or ideologies', branding them unacceptable
'Our goal for the Fourth of July Parade is to create a celebration that honors our military, fosters family-friendly fun, and respects all attendees.
'This year, we introduced guidelines to ensure we honor America’s military and not open the door to offensive displays.
'While we understand the significance of various symbols, we intend to keep the parade welcoming for everyone.'
Paul Van Noy, president of the Kootenai County Ministerial Association and pastor of the Candlelight Christian Fellowship church said he was glad of the reversal.
He told the outlet: 'Any and all religious symbols should be allowed.Everybody should have their right to be represented faithfully and properly.'
Prior to the change, acceptable signage had only included slogans like 'Happy Independence Day', messages honoring unity and others honoring veterans, active-military personnel and first responders.
According to the chamber, failure to comply with its rules would have resulted 'in immediate removal from the parade'.
