Merry Christmas bill

Texas

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H.B. No. 308, also known as the 'Merry Christmas bill' is a Texas bill that was signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry on June 14, 2013.^[1] The law states that:

WINTER CELEBRATIONS. (a) 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." (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a school district may display on school property scenes or symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah or a Christmas image such as a nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display includes a scene or symbol of: (1) more than one religion; or (2) one religion and at least one secular scene or symbol. (c) A display relating to a traditional winter celebration may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief.^[2]

Criticism

Victor Cornell of the American Civil Liberties Union has criticized the bill, asserting that the U.S. Supreme Court has prohibited religious practice being endorsed by schools unless it has a “secular instructional purpose,”^[3]

Notes

↑ Knowles, David (June 14, 2013). "Texas Gov. Rick Perry signs ‘Merry Christmas bill’ into law". NEW YORK DAILY NEWS. Retrieved 2013-07-02.
↑ "H.B. No. 308". State of Texas.
↑ Cesar, Maria Luisa (May 14, 2013). "'Merry Christmas Bill' advances in Texas Senate". The San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved 2013-07-02.

External links

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