Guantanamo Nativity Scene Sparks Protests

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba (AP) — An advocate for religious freedom in the U.S. military is calling on the Navy to remove nativity scenes and Christmas decorations from dining facilities at the base in Guantanamo Bay.

Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation says he raised the issue after hearing from 18 active duty troops assigned to the U.S. base in Cuba. The troops want to remain anonymous because they fear a backlash.

Weinstein says the decorations improperly promote Christianity over other faiths. The 18 troops include a mix of Protestant, Catholic, Muslim and Jewish service members. He says they were told to eat at one of the private restaurants on base if they are offended.

Base spokeswoman Kelly Wirfel says she was meeting with the base commander later Wednesday and had no immediate comment.

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