NBU Removes Banner Hanging Along Seguin Ave. Because of Religious Message

(New Braunfels, TX) --  A banner that was hanging across South Seguin Avenue reminding drivers to “Keep Christ in Christmas” has been taken down by NBU, after NBU realized the message was more religious in nature and not a non-profit group advertising an upcoming fundraiser.  

NBU, which is the agency that is tasked with hanging such banners over the roadway, released a statement yesterday saying that human error led to the hanging of that banner, which was purchased by the local Knights of Columbus organization.  

NBU says that regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the religious message, they are a municipal utility and are held to the same legal requirements as other government entities that are required to step lightly when it comes to separation of church and state.  

They point out that while one message may be strongly supported by many in the community, another message may prove to be just as strongly offensive, and that’s why their internal policy is to avoid such controversies altogether by only allowing non-profit groups to advertise upcoming events on those banners.  

NBU says that when they realized there had been a lapse in that policy they notified the Knights of Columbus that they would be taking the banner (similar to the one pictured left) down and they offered to compensate them for the cost of the banner.  

They also apologized, both to the Knights of Columbus and to the community, for the error, and they say they are reviewing their procedures to ensure that future banners comply with all requirements so they can continue to offer that service for local non-profit groups.