Some troops at Guantanamo Bay want the US Navy to remove nativity scenes and Christmas decorations from two base dining facilities, saying they improperly promote Christianity over other faiths, an organisation that advocates for religious freedom in the military said today.
A group of 18 service members from several faiths contacted the Military Religious Freedom Foundation for help in removing the nativity scenes and decorations because they figured they would be ignored and feared retribution, said Mikey Weinstein, the president of the organisation. The troops, he added, also prefer to remain anonymous because of a possible backlash.
"They are terrified," Weinstein said. "Right now, there is a witch hunt going on to find out who did this." Eleven of the troops who complained are Protestant and Catholic and the rest are Muslim, Jewish, agnostic or atheist, Weinstein said.
A base spokeswoman, Kelly Wirfel, said she was meeting with the commander, Capt John Nettleton, later today to discuss the issue and had no immediate comment.
The naval base, located in southeast Cuba, has a population of about 5,500 military and civilian personnel. Outside the coils of razor wire surrounding an area where nearly 160 prisoners are held, the base has set up many exterior displays of Christmas lights and other decorations along wide streets, creating the feel of a typical suburban American town in December.
At issue are decorations inside two dining facilities, including one used primarily by people who work inside the prison, including guards and translators. An email sent to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation from the troops says the nativity scenes went up in late November in the centre of the eating area and no other religions are represented despite the presence of other faiths on the base.
"By placing these displays in prominent common areas, the impression is that one faith is better than others and that the military institution singularly promotes Christianity," says the email, provided to The Associated Press by the organisation without the names of the senders.
