Source: Cybercast News Service
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=\Culture\archive\200312\CUL20031203a.html
On December 3, 2003 Cybercast News Service reported that "a member of the Australian cabinet has urged people in his country to celebrate the Christian meaning of Christmas during this festive season. 'Many kindergartens, schools and businesses have decided they have to ban things because they might offend others,' Multicultural Affairs Minister Gary Hardgrave said in a statement this week. 'While well motivated, these people have it completely wrong.' [In an interview with CNSNews.com, Hardgrave said he 'thought it was important to be on the front foot [this year] and say, for heaven's sake, get out there, remember what Christmas is all about. Put the Christ into Christmas, nativity scenes, the whole lot. Don't be afraid to express the central tenets of your own faith, because no other faith is going to be offended by it.' Hardgrave said Jewish and Muslim friends had made it clear to him that they understand and enjoy Christmas, and have even participated in some Christmas activities...The minister has his critics, however. 'While practicing Christians should be free to celebrate Christmas in a traditional religious context if they so wish, the Australian government has no business promoting such observances in the general community or in schools,' Kate Williams, president of a group called the Australian Counter-Fundamentalism Movement, told CNSNews.com."