Anger in Italy over mosques in nativity scenes
The inclusion of Islamic symbols in nativity scenes has angered right-wing politicians in Italy. Priests in some northern cities placed mosques and minarets in the cribs and stables in their nativity scenes. Local branches of the northern league called the moves “the act of a fool” and Deputy Mario Borghezio added that “the only thing he messed out was the suicide bomber ready to blow up Christ’s manger.” Others praised the inclusion of Islamic symbols, saying that there are no rigid rules about what can and cannot be included in a nativity scene. Hamid Shari, the imam of Milan, said that the inclusion of the mosque was a good gesture of inclusively. Many Italians like to adapt new forms to ancient traditions – among new nativity scene additions included figures of America’s President-elect Barack Obama, and his wife Michelle.
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