Priest must remove cross from front yard

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- A Florida homeowners association has ordered a Roman Catholic priest to remove a Celtic cross from the front of his home.

The Westchase association board in Tampa, Fla., says the cross violates deed restrictions dealing with sculptures that might be offensive to race or religion, The Tampa Tribune reports.

The Rev. Jeff Johnson argued that the cross was a Christian symbol and not a garden ornament.

His attorney, Noel Flasterstein, questioned whether residents would be allowed to have nativity scenes at Christmas if the same rule is applied.

Last March the homeowner's association forced resident Stacey Kelly to remove a "Support Our Troops" sign in her front yard honoring her husband, David, who is serving in Iraq.