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City council tables proposal to remove cross from Knightstown Christmas tree

KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. (WISH) — The proposal to remove the cross from a Christmas tree in Knightstown has been put on hold for the moment being.

Dozens of residents attended a town council meeting Thursday night to express their opinions on the issue.

Many people wanted the town to stand up to the ACLU.

“You guys have a whole community standing by you guys,” resident Ashley Sirosky said. “We can raise the money, don’t be afraid to fight this.”

“I think we could have won it, I really do, ” resident Lyn Lohner said.

Another Knightstown resident said she is just glad this issue has people talking about Christmas and what the cross means to them.

“It’s a blessing in that aspect,” Patricia Hutson said. “We have to be thankful it happened.”

Some Christian legal groups have approached the city with ideas to negotiate with the ACLU, to see if they can reach a deal everyone can live with.

The city’s attorney will work with the group and the ACLU to negotiate.

They’re hoping to avoid a lawsuit and the expensive legal costs.

Supporters of the cross being atop the tree met at the square Monday evening feeling outraged after the council removed the cross.

The issue began when a resident claimed the cross infringed upon his civil liberties.