December 16, 2005
A Jewish member of the US Congress has introduced a motion to protect the symbols of Chanukah, Kwanzaa and Ramadan. Democratic Congressman Steve Israel wants to counter another resolution, introduced earlier by Representative Jo Ann Davies, focussed exclusively on Christmas. It aims to recognize "the importance of the symbols and traditions of Christmas” and “strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas.” Israel tried to get Davis to amend her resolution when it came to the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday night, but she refused, citing procedural rules. Israel’s resolution replicates Davis’ language precisely, except for substituting “Chanukah, Ramadan and Kwanzaa” for Christmas. After a raucous debate on Davis’ resolution between Democrats and Republicans, it passed on a voice vote, and is undergoing a member-by-member roll call.
