Colorado Park District Bars Menorah, But Not Christmas Tree

The Evergreen, Colorado Park and Recreation District manages Lake House, a popular community gathering place on Evergreen Lake.  Lake House property however is owned by the city and county of Denver. A large evergreen tree outside Lake House had traditionally been decorated with Christmas lights. From 2005 to 2009, a Hanukkah Menorah was displayed in back of Lake House by a Jewish group. However, according to yesterday's Denver Post, this year the Recreation District has ruled that the Menorah may not be put up, invoking a rule of the Denver Parks and Recreation Department that bars religious decorations on public property. Under Supreme Court precedents, a Menorah is considered religious, while a Christmas tree is not. [Thanks to Patrick Gillette for the lead.]