Brussels Bans ‘Offensive’ Christmas Tree For Muslims

Belgium: Brussels Government officials have apparently banned a Christmas tree exhibit due to fears that the local Muslim population would find it “offensive.”

An “electronic winter tree,” will take the place of the traditional Christmas Tree and Nativity scene at the city center of Grand Place, reports Brussels News.

City councilwoman Bianca Debaets believes a “misplaced argument” over religious sensitivities has moved Brussels to put up the light sculpture. She points to the fact that it display not be referred to “Christmas” in any way to make her point. “I suspect that the reference to the Christian religion was the decisive factor” in replacing the tree, she told reporters. “For a lot of people who are not Christians, the tree there is offensive to them.”

Other city officials insists the move was not made to placate Muslims or other groups. Nicolas Dassonville, spokesman for Mayor Thielemans (PS), said the Nativity scene will remain at Grand Place The tree’s sponsor, electricity generator Electrabel, made the move to put up the electronic sculpture this year, Dassonville said.

Link

What is interesting here is that City councilwoman Bianca Debaets has stated that the decision was made to prevent Muslims being offended rather than Muslim pressure actually pushing for the removal of the Xmas tree.

Typical over bearing political correctness in which left wing do gooders take it on themselves to be offended for other people.

On the other hand, two Muslims elected to the Brussels city council recently have vowed to turn Belgium into a Muslim state based on Sharia law Link.

About 25% of Brussels population is Muslim.

reply to post by ollncasino


Unbelievable, and it will only get worse from now on. But wait for the apologizers to come....

To accommodate or not to accommodate, or knowing when to accommodate..

We see these types of articles more frequently now.. I think that accommodating Muslims is ok, however we need to NEVER compromise our western culture, at any time to accommodate muslims. I believe that when the Muslim countries begin to accommodate our western civilized culture, then YES, but until then... if you want to venture into the world...you learn NEW WAYS hold on to your beliefs, but dont expect cultural change from us.

****SINCE WHEN DID MUSLIM BELIEFS OUT WEIGH CHRISTIAN BELIEFS, and WESTERN CULTURE???

Originally posted by hououinkyouma

Unbelievable, and it will only get worse from now on. But wait for the apologizers to come....

What is interesting is that politically correct do gooders worry about insulting Muslims etc., but appear to be indifferent to offending other people by removing things like Xmas trees.

What exactly happened is open to debate in this case but City councilwoman Bianca Debaets would presumably be in the position to have inside knowledge to know what really happened.

I'm sorry to have to say it but here in the UK we are finding British women a menace by always apeasing Muslims with this and that, and it's rather odd the women know that it is women who come off worse when Muslim governments take over, it may be because women get turned on by being treated rough by Muslim men.
I and most British men are getting sick up to the teeth by pondering to the Muslims in the UK, and you can feel the hatred towards them the more Government do to appease them in case they get upset about our Christian way of life.
Maybe it is long by the time we said okay enough is enough and get busy to sort the mess out once and for all, as I know even British born Muslim families feel the same way as we do.

This is ridiculous. And its not even a nativity set, its a freakin decorative tree.

reply to post by ollncasino


This is ridiculous, tough tiddy if they are offended. They should be tolerant of other religious groups, as other religions should be tolerant of them. To change holiday plans or decorations based upon a group who "might" be offended is just wrong since there is nothing overtly offensive about Christmas decorations. If next to the tree there was a sign that said...." Merry Christmas, unless your Muslim. PS- Jesus Hates You." that would be overtly and purposely offensive and should be removed.... but just a tree and nativity... c'mon.

reply to post by ollncasino

What is interesting is that politically correct do gooders worry about insulting Muslims etc., but appear to be indifferent to offending other people by removing things like Xmas trees.

Yeah, I can`t comprehend this logic, and muslims get away of lots of things that are not acceptable in the western countries. I live in Japan most of the time and I`m not a christian, but I can`t see the logic in this. (and I like to make a christmas scene and tree lol)

Here in Japan there are almost no christians, but no problems with christmas or something like that. Adding to that if you do not adapt to the culture here, you are screwed, the same needs to happen in western countries.

Maybe europeans are getting ashamed of their culture.

Why would you live in a country that's based around a culture you find offensive?

Go anywhere in the ME and tell them your offended by anything in their
culture and I guarantee you, a public hanging/beheading will take place.

Get off your knees Europe.

Originally posted by Alternative4u

Maybe it is long by the time we said okay enough is enough and get busy to sort the mess out once and for all, as I know even British born Muslim families feel the same way as we do.

That's the point. It isn't even the majority of Muslim people pushing for these things. Most, I image, don't really care.

Its a small minority of Muslim rabble rousers and legions of left wing politically correct do-gooders who take it upon themselves to be offended for Muslims and other minorities on their behalf.

Never mind the fact that they offend everyone else with their blatant marginalization of European culture. It's just causing trouble.

That is staggering.

Almost unbelievable in fact.

Anyone else getting the idea that tptb are looking for any excuse, from the rediculous to the sublime to create divisions between Christians and Muslims?

I certainly am.

What if i'm offended at Mosques springing up all over the place? Will they be taken down so i am no longer offended by their sight?

And Churches? They MUST offend Muslims, Jews, Seikhs, Hindus, Bhuddists...etc...shall we tear them down too?

It all seems just a little too absurd to be anything other than deliberately attempting to cause trouble.

The funny thing, A Christmas Tree has nothing to do the Christianity. The tree is secular!

reply to post by hououinkyouma


I understand that Shinto is a dying religion, but at the same time a lot of it's values are still a part of Japan. In shinto, even the gods of other religions are considered lesser kami, so there is by nature more religious tolerance there. At least I haven't heard anything to the contrary.....

Perhaps if the muslim community were allowed to put up an Allah Tree and the Jews a Joshua Tree at mmm at happy holiday time...then the Christians could keep the Christmas tree.
Imperialistic house of prayers..plot in the style of imperialists.
We should meditate on this.
In the end though there is only one God worth celebrating.
The true God.

Originally posted by amatrine
The funny thing, A Christmas Tree has nothing to do the Christianity. The tree is secular!

True, right or wrong (depending on who you speak to) Christmas is not really a religious holiday by its very nature any longer... and the tree was a way of bringing light and life into the home during a period of the year when you are surrounded by darkness, and dreariness, and death (of plant life, etc.) It's a symbol of hope, more than of any god.

reply to post by hououinkyouma

Adding to that if you do not adapt to the culture here, you are screwed, the same needs to happen in western countries. Maybe Europeans are getting ashamed of their culture.

That's what I admire about the Japanese. They've held tight to customs and culture
and are proudly Nationalistic. Funny thing is, nobody ever says "Japan is too Japanese".

As far as Europeans being ashamed, most have been brain washed with guilt
into believing their culture and heritage isn't important.

Originally posted by MysterX

As far as Europeans being ashamed, most have been brain washed with guilt
into believing their culture and heritage isn't important.

And yet Europeans built the modern world. Western culture, science and social institutions have been successfully exported all around the globe.

Europe and the West has much to be proud of.

reply to post by Osiris1953


Yeah, there almost no problems here. Maybe because there are very few muslims lol

About Shinto, it`s dying in the sense of believing in the holiness of the Emperor, but the traditions and the believe in the ancestor are still almost in every place. The shrines always receive lots of people going to the ceremonies and some holidays.

Religion here is more something that you will do for you or in your own house.

reply to post by amatrine


This is just about Electrabel having a deal with the city - money and lobby.

They only replace the christmas tree with a light installation that looks like a christmas tree, including the traditional christmas crib - with a Jesus, Joseph, Mary, ox and donkey.
None of the traditional symbols are banned, only that the electricity company now makes a good deal with the city.

Shameless.
But nothing to do with offending muslims or not.

I'm Belgian, I know what I talk about here.

As far as Europeans being ashamed, most have been brain washed with guilt
into believing their culture and heritage isn't important.

reply to post by Yngvarr


Exactly, now it`s hard to get that back. The blain wash really worked out for someone.