In an attempt to make the brouhaha over religious floats at the downtown Denver Parade of Lights a matter of Christmases past, a compromise has been worked out by the Downtown Denver Partnership and religious leaders.

The parade plans to add one or two floats with religious themes. Organizers also will work with city officials to designate areas along the route for caroling and include a procession of up to 200 people singing Christmas carols in the parade.

But don’t close the book on the controversy yet.

Parade chairman Jim Basey said anti-religious floats wouldn’t be allowed. “We are not going to include any organization that is choosing to use this parade as a place to argue about religion in the public square,” Basey said.

That doesn’t please the Freedom From Religion Foundation, based in Wisconsin, whose attorney has said he will file a request for the Denver City Council to decide the matter.