The release of an electronic Christmas tree in Brussels, Belgium is creating controversy with some people calling it an attack on Christmas due to values and traditions.

On November 30th, Brussels debuted the 24 meter (78 feet) tall steel electronic Christmas tree. The tree, named ‘Xmas 3’, is described as a “contemporary and artistic Christmas tree” by the Brussels city.

The tree is displayed at the Grand-Place as part of the city’s Winter Wonders. The tree’s sound and light will be on display every evening through December 30th.

The crowd gathered to witness the unveiling and appeared to be excited about the change. According to a BBC report, the light show that accompanied the debut was met with applause and “plenty of oohs and aahs”.

“I quite like the tree. It’s a piece of modern art. It’s cosy!”
Others however are not as pleased, launching an online petition, calling for respect of “values and traditions”. The petition has drawn more than 25,000 signatures thus far.

The controversy began in November when a city councilor Bianca Debaets, who is from a Christian Democrat and Flemish Party, claimed the city made the switch because the traditional live Christmas tree was too much of a religious symbol.

Unfortunately the city of Brussels denies Debaets claims, saying the change was made because the theme for this year’s winter wonders is ‘Light’.

Brussels City Councilor, Philippe Close, disclosed “What we want is just to modernize the pleasure of winter, of this Christmas market and all the image of Brussels. For people who want a traditional religious symbol, we have the nativity scene here in the square. For people who want modernity, we have this new tree.”