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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

‘Merry Christmas’ Is Legal in Texas

(CN) - A Texas legislator called a press conference Monday to remind people that it's legal to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" in school.

The Legislature approved the "Merry Christmas Law" last summer. The bill makes it legal for school districts to display Christmas trees and Nativity scenes on school grounds, so long as the displays include a nonreligious item, such as a snowman, or symbols of "more than one religion."

The bill prohibits schools from putting up holiday displays that "include a message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief."

Critics called the measure unnecessary in light of the First Amendment.

"Happy holidays" is legal, too, according to the legislation.

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