Belgium officials set to ban Christmas trees, promoting the ‘electric winter tree’
Government officials in Brussels, Belgium are banning the Christmas tree exhibit out of concerns that the local Muslim population found it “offensive,” The Right Perspective said, citing Brussels News.
An “electronic winter tree,” will take the place of the traditional Christmas Tree and Nativity scene at the city center of Grand Place.
The electronic sculpture will stand over 80 feet tall, consisting of television screens, reports Brussels Expat.
“During the daytime you can climb to the top of the tree where you will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the city,” the website explains.
“As soon as it becomes dark the tree turns into a spectacle of light and sound. Every ten minutes an amazing show will unfold.”
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.”
Muslims now constitute 25% of the population and officials point to efforts not to offend Islam as key to the decisions.
