GETTY A Belgian town has removed its nativity scene over fears it will 'offend Muslims'

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Town chiefs allegedly refused to include a traditional festive display in Holsbeek, Belgium over fears it could upset a member of the minuscule Muslim population. Traditionally locals put a Christmas tree and a model of baby Jesus in a manger in the centre of the town. But locals were outraged after politicians decided it would offend.

GETTY The nativity scene could offend one of four Muslims in the town it is claimed

Achiel Claes, a former town alderman for the Christian-Democrats, said: "The reason was that it would be 'too provocative for Muslims'. "There are only four Muslims living in town and they will never complain that there is a nativity scene in city hall." Mr Claes said he could "understand" if a nativity scene was banned in Molenbeek - where the terrorists behind the November 2015 Paris attacks lived.

GETTY The picturesque town of Holsbeek is 20miles from Brussels

Some people want to take away all our traditions, but I will resist that Theo Francken

But in the sleepy town of Holsbeek - 20 miles outside Brussels - the move has been branded "ridiculous". Belgian State Secretary of Asylum and Migration Theo Francken said it was a "matter of principle" to him. He said: "Some people want to take away all our traditions, but I will resist that." The ban was introduced after the town secretary allegedly complained about the nativity scene.

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But Annelies Vander Bracht, from the town's Green party, said the decision had nothing to do with Muslims. She said: "We did it because there needs to be a separation between church and state. "Each municipality can interpret that in its own way. To be as neutral as possible, we took away the nativity scene. "Gays or victims of paedophile priests would not be too thrilled by a symbol of the church either. "Let's keep it in the private sphere, I think that is the smartest way. At home I do have a nativity scene as it is nice for the kids."

GETTY Officials have said it could offend 'gays' too and has been removed to avoid offence