Merry Christmas bill

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

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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

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  1. ^ Knowles, David (June 14, 2013). "Texas Gov. Rick Perry signs 'Merry Christmas bill' into law". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2013-07-02.
  2. ^ "H.B. No. 308". State of Texas.
  3. ^ Cesar, Maria Luisa (May 14, 2013). "'Merry Christmas Bill' advances in Texas Senate". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved 2013-07-02.
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