A so-called “Merry Christmas Law” is now in effect throughout Texas.
To protect people who wish to observe the season in state schools, lawmakers passed legislation last summer that essentially makes it illegal for officials to punish students, teachers, or faculty members who want to celebrate Christmas on school property.
Reuters reports that many conservatives feel that Christmas is currently under fire from people who want schools to observe the holiday season with more political correctness. To prevent teachers and students from unfair punishment this year, Texas legislators pushed to make such behavior illegal.
In addition to allowing staff and students to wear festive clothing, the outlet explains that the new legislation gives everyone permission to “offer traditional greetings regarding celebrations, including ‘Merry Christmas,’ ‘Happy Hanukkah’ and ‘Happy Holidays’” without fear of reprisal from school officials.
In fact, districts throughout the state were notified of the Merry Christmas Law on Monday. Texas Values president and conservative activist Jonathan Saenz believes the legislation will effectively prevent school districts from finding their names on the “naughty” list this season. In short: Saenz is pleased with the law.
According to The Associated Press , the Merry Christmas Law also “protects symbols such as Christmas trees, menorahs or nativity scenes, as long as more than one religion is represented and a secular symbol such as a snowman is displayed.” Houston Republican Dwayne Bohac was reportedly thrilled with the new legislation.
“I’m proud to stand in defense of Christmas and I urge other states to stop a needless, stilted overreaction to Christmas and Hanukkah. This is a real issue in our country,” Bohac explained, adding the law should keep “censorship of Christmas” out of Texas schools.
Laredo Democratic Representative Richard Raymond, who co-sponsored the legislation, was also excited about the Merry Christmas Law.
“Christmas and Hanukkah obviously do have religious implications for so many [but they are] just part of America. I know we that should be sensitive to how people feel about different issues. I think all of us up here are,” Raymond explained Monday.
Now that we’ve covered what officials and government types think about the new law, check out some Twitter reactions to the Texas legislation below.
Texas has to be one of the most backwards places on earth. They made it a law that schools can say Merry Christmas wtf?
— Shade (@MANX38) December 10, 2013
We have a LAW in Texas that allows us to say “Merry Christmas” in public schools. Yeah.. You need a law for that!
— Matt Patrick (@Radiomattrick) December 10, 2013
GOP more interested in a Merry Christmas Law in Texas and Oklahoma than feeding the poor. Damn Party is only for media hype. Makes me sick.
— stella k church (@stellabystarlit) December 10, 2013
Texas passed a law that allows public places and personnel to post signs that say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays #lovemystate
— Kathryn Lee Holmes (@KatLeeHolmes) December 5, 2013
Texas has to pass a Merry Xmas law so kids in school can dress in xmas attire and say “Merry Christmas”, i thought this was our country.?
— David Rains (@drains84) December 10, 2013
What do you think about the Texas Merry Christmas Law?
[Image via Shutterstock.com ]
