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No holiday signs at intersection in little town of Bethlehem (NY)

Posted at 2:53 PM, Dec 24, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-24 14:53:31-05

BETHLEHEM, N.Y. (AP) — Holiday signs have been banned at an intersection in the little town of Bethlehem, New York.

Officials in the suburban town just south of Albany prohibited a sign saying “Merry Christmas” from being placed at the busy intersection. They had a “Happy Hanukkah” sign removed from the same corner.

The Times Union of Albany reports the town allowed a public display of a Christmas tree and a Menorah, but officials banned religious holiday signs so they wouldn’t violate any laws or distract drivers.

About 10 people holding “Merry Christmas” and “Little Town of Bethlehem” signs turned out Wednesday night at the intersection to protest the town board’s decision.

The upstate town named after the birthplace of Jesus Christ has a population of about 33,000.