House Bill 308, signed this week by Gov. Rick Perry, is necessary due to a flood of intimidation tactics nationwide by a variety of atheist lawyer organizations aimed at silencing Christians in public schools. The law assures Texas school officials that the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the constitutionality of religious freedom in schools.
As just one example of intimidation (this week), read 'Jesus' Said in Texas Preschool, Atheists Threaten and also read Freedom From Religion Foundation Sues to Stop Christian Cheerleaders at Kountze (Texas) High School
To understand why such laws are necessary, read Humanists Threaten Missouri School over Prayer and also read Atheists Threaten to Sue Every School in Mississippi and read about myriad attacks on Christians via public schools (see article list at bottom).
UPDATE 12/6/13: School Bans Christmas, Breaking New Texas Law
UPDATE 3/29/14 - Eight states now: Christmas protection legislation
-- From "Gov. Perry signs 'Merry Christmas' bill into law" by The Associated Press 6/14/13
The governor signed into law a bipartisan bill removing any legal risks of saying "Merry Christmas" in Texas public schools. He says "religious freedom does not mean freedom from religion."
Traditional holiday symbols, such as a menorah or Nativity scene, also are protected, so long as more than one religion and a secular symbol are also reflected.
The bill's sponsor, Houston Republican Rep. Dwayne Bohac, says he drafted the legislation after his eight-year-old son Reagan told him that his public school had decorated a "holiday tree" with "holiday ornaments."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Perry signs ‘Merry Christmas bill,’ comments on special session, Lehmberg, West" by Chuck Lindell, Austin American-Statesman Staff 6/13/13
The act, which does not change current law, is intended to reassure school districts that have limited holiday displays – including greetings such as “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah” – over fears of litigation.
“It’s a shame that a bill like this one I’m signing today is even required,” [Gov. Rick] Perry said. “But I am proud that we’re standing up for religious freedom in this state.”
“This is just political correctness that’s run amok, and our brains have completely fallen out as a result,” Bohac said. “So this bill seeks to restore some sanity to our civil discourse.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christmas Comes Early in Texas, As Gov. Perry Signs Religious Freedom Bill" by Susan Jones, CNSNews.com 6/14/13
The bill states: "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."
Supporters of the bill argue that allowing teachers to display various holiday symbols associated with certain religions makes it possible for them to educate students about the history and roots of different religions.
Bill sponsor Sen. Robert Nichols said the bill will help teachers and administrators "feel safe talking about these holidays at school without fear of legal action being taken against them, and of letting our children know that it's okay to say ‘Merry Christmas.'"
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Read about similar laws in Louisiana, and North Carolina, and Missouri, and Mississippi, and Florida, and Tennessee.
