Americans in Idaho cross out parade policy banning religious symbols
The organization running the Independence Day parade in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, recently introduced a policy prohibiting the display of "symbols associated with specific political movements, religions, or ideologies."
That ban was understood to extend to the kind of Christian crosses that Americans carried through the city's streets on the Fourth of July.
The board of directors of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce noted in an op-ed, "Our intention with this policy was simple: to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected."
The chamber's new signage policy noted, "We admire that you are passionate about what you believe in, but this parade is NOT the platform for promoting individual beliefs," reported the Coeur d'Alene Press.
'Christians should be free to respectfully proclaim the Gospel, the cross of Christ, and the Christian flag.'
Religious symbols were lumped in with other "individual beliefs" deemed unacceptable for a Fourth of July parade, such as political displays that might incite division or unrest. Those found in violation were to be targeted for immediate removal.
The backlash was fierce and swift.
The Idaho Family Policy Center, a Christian organization linked to the Family Policy Alliance, campaigned against the policy, suggesting that "it's impossible to celebrate America without fully embracing our nation's — and our state's — Christian heritage."
"Christians should be free to respectfully proclaim the Gospel, the cross of Christ, and the Christian flag. This is especially true at celebrations of the United States of America," said the organization. "It's time to push back against this censorship of our founding values — and stand with conviction for religious expression at local Independence Day celebrations."
"Any and all religious symbols should be allowed," Paul Van Noy, president of the Kootenai County Ministerial Association and pastor of Candlelight Christian Fellowship church, told the local paper. "Everybody should have their right to be represented faithfully and properly."
On July 2, the board of directors for the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce acknowledged that its new guidelines "unfortunately led to misunderstandings and accusations."
"The backlash we have received is distressing and disappointing, especially for our president/CEO, Linda Coppess, a person of deep faith," added the board.
Coppess said in a separate statement, "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. After consideration and consultation, the executive board of directors has made an exception for the religious symbols."
Coppess further stressed that the policy implicating religious imagery as offensive was "not meant to isolate individuals or be considered an anti-religious policy."
It appears that local residents leaned into their Christian expression following the controversy.
Footage from the event shows multiple parade-goers carrying crosses of various sizes or wearing clothing with Christian symbols.
The Idaho Family Policy Center also shared photos of crosses both big and small appearing in the city's downtown, emphasizing on X, "Christians should be free to express their faith at celebrations of this country."
Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!
The story of a 14-year-old war hero reminds us of the courage and devotion exhibited by the everyday Americans of our founding generation.
'The die is now cast, the [American] colonies must now either submit or triumph.'
Prices of individual goods have increased dramatically nationwide, with some seeing a “year-to-year double-digit increase.”
Lincoln knew the declaration was more than a historical curiosity to be 'frittered away' as an 'interesting memorial of the dead past.'
www.theblaze.com
freebeacon.com
www.theblaze.com
thefederalist.com
Why do liberals ALWAYS try to ruin the Fourth of July?
No matter the occasion, someone will always try to ruin it. Unfortunately, this is especially the case if they’re on the political left and the occasion has anything to do with patriotism.
This time it was the Fourth of July, and one naysayer who wanted to upset all in celebration was the notoriously liberal ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s.
Ben & Jerry’s took the holiday opportunity to tear down America, despite the financial success that our capitalist system has allowed the company.
The brand wrote in a tweet: “This 4th of July, it’s high time we recognize that the US exists on stolen Indigenous land and commit to returning it.”
Sara Gonzales is less than amused.
“Um, actually it was conquered,” Gonzales responds, “because that’s how things work.”
Pat Gray agrees, adding that every other land has been conquered, “but it’s only us and Israel that ever has to be labeled that way.”
Jaco Booyens is also in agreement.
“We celebrate King Charles. They only colonized, I mean, just about everything,” Booyens says, adding, “but, hey, listen, that quote comes from an ice cream company.”
One Twitter user, Ashley St. Clair, pointed out that Ben & Jerry’s is technically stealing milk from cows for its ice cream.
“What about that? Did they give consent to that?” Gonzales mocks.
While leftist companies and politicians do what they can to ruin the Fourth of July for others, Gonzales and her guests aren’t letting them ruin the true spirit of the Fourth and what it stands for.
“The freedom to be who God’s called you to be, but in unity, in this nation, you become an American. And that’s what sets us apart. There is no other nation on earth that historically has had unity to move as a unit,” Booyens says.
“And all things in the world work better like that. Light focused, become a laser,” he adds.
Want more from The News & Why It Matters?
To enjoy more roundtable rundowns of the top stories of the day, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.