The debate over the cross on the Palmerston North Square clock tower could be heading to the Human Rights Commission.
City employment relations consultant Alan Millar might complain to the commission because he believes the Palmerston North City Council is discriminating against him and other atheists by keeping the cross on the tower.
NZ First leader Winston Peters joined the debate saying Palmerston North's Labour list MP, Ashraf Choudhary, had a cheek advising local people to get rid of the cross.
"It shows that some newcomers to New Zealand want us to destroy our culture so that they may impose their own," Mr Peters said.
"Just imagine what would happen to a Christian in a Muslim country if they suggested getting rid of a symbol of Islam. They would be punished severely, possibly even executed."
Dr Choudhary, who has lived in New Zealand for 27 years, said Mr Peters should "butt out" because it was a local issue.
Dr Choudhary challenged Palmerston North Mayor Mark Bell-Booth to a debate on the issue but the mayor declined.
Mr Millar says the council should uphold everyone's beliefs, not just councillors' philosophies.
"When an authority discriminates against any religious belief, that takes away people's freedoms," Mr Millar said.
- NZPA
Clock cross worries atheist
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