OWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) -- A large, lighted cross that hung over an Owensboro company every Christmas season for four decades is being unplugged this year.

The cross is about 60 feet high and was displayed by Texas Gas Transmission. The company’s president says the cross is a religious symbol that isn’t accepted by everyone.

Some employees wanted the cross back, and even started a petition.

Jeff McKeown, whose wife works for Texas Gas, says the company is caving to public pressure by not lighting the huge cross this year.

But the president, Dean Jones, said not displaying the cross would make more people feel welcome, which is part of Christmas.