Christmas Comes Early in Texas, As Gov. Perry Signs Religious Freedom Bill
By Susan Jones
By law, it is now okay to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" in Texas public schools.
Gov. Rick Perry signed House Bill 308 on Thursday, allowing public school students and staff to use traditional holiday greetings and display religious scenes and symbols on school property.
"I'm proud we are standing up for religious freedom in our state," Gov. Perry said.
"Freedom of religion doesn't mean freedom from religion, and people of faith often feel like they can't express that faith publicly. HB 308 works to address that by ensuring that people of all faiths are free to use traditional holiday greetings, and display religious scenes and symbols, even on school property. It ensures freedom of expression where, for many students, teachers and administrators, it's most important."
The bill states: "A school district may educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations, and allow students and district staff to offer traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including: (1) "Merry Christmas"; (2) "Happy Hanukkah"; and (3) "happy holidays."
The bill specifically says that schools may display scenes or symbols associated with religious holidays -- as long as the display includes scenes or symbols of more than one religion or at least one secular scene or symbol.
Displays "may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief," the bill says. -
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/christmas-comes-early-texas-gov-perry-signs-religious-freedom-bill
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