Texas passes law permitting Nativity scenes in schools
May 24, 2013
By margins of 145-2 in the state house and 29-0 in the state senate, Texas has passed legislation permitting public schools to display “a menorah or a Christmas image such as a nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display includes a scene or symbol of more than one religion; or one religion and at least one secular scene or symbol.”
“A display relating to a traditional winter celebration may not include a message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief,” the legislation stated.
In addition, the law provides that “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.’”
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Further information:
- Texas Legislature Passes Bill On Winter Holidays In Schools (Religion Clause)
- Full text of legislation (State of Texas)
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
May. 24, 2013 8:48 PM ET USA
Does that mean the Nativity scene must contain the ubiquitous Santa Claus kneeling in front of the manger? Or,Easter Bunny hopping around strewing colored eggs at the empty tomb? That is an unholy attempt to relegate Christianity to the ridiculous.
