Indiana Protects Christmas from Atheists' Lawsuits

Just as lawmakers are doing in so many other states, the Indiana Senate unanimously passed a bill to assure public schools that they will not have to waste taxpayer dollars defending against lawsuits by atheist lawyers over religious liberty.

"Christmas is under attack.  That's just crazy that we even have to move a bill like that, but I think it's very well needed in the state and in every state."
-- Sen. Jim Smith, Republican of Charlestown, IN

For background, read California Teacher Says Jesus Not Allowed in Christmas

Also read of the myriad atheist lawsuits against Christmas and prayer nationwide and read Atheists Threaten to Sue Every School in Tennessee and in Mississippi but admit they're Short on Lawyers to Sue ALL Christians

In addition, read the long list of states enacting laws to counter the atheists and restore religious liberty to schools.

-- From "Indiana Senate passes 'Merry Christmas' bill allowing celebration in schools" by The Associated Press 2/4/14

The bill . . . would let schools decorate with Nativity scenes or menorahs if paired with another religious or secular symbol. The legislation also would permit lessons on the history of winter holidays and traditional holiday greetings, such as "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Hanukkah."

. . . opponents debate whether states can give schools the right to celebrate Christmas, and others question the need for a bill that some say duplicates current policy.

Numerous U.S. Supreme Court rulings have found religious scenes paired with secular scenes in public settings constitutional, but the American Civil Liberties Union said the switch to schools is dicey.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Senate passes bill to provide legal protections for Christmas celebrations" by Lesley Weidenbener, The Statehouse File 2/3/14

Senate Bill 326 requires the State Board of Education to set guidelines for teachers and administrators to observe Christmas without fear of a lawsuit.

“Across the country, there are reports of Christmas traditions, like the singing of Christmas carols or even the colors red and green, being banned in schools because administrators fear lawsuits,” the bill’s author, Sen. Jim Smith, R-Charlestown, said in a statement.

“We need to provide Hoosier teachers some protections so that these senseless, arbitrary bans do not take hold in our state,” Smith said. “Christmas teaches important values, and it should not be absent from our classrooms.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Ind. Senate to vote on Christmas in schools" by Eric Weddle, The Indianapolis Star 1/23/14

[SB 326] would also allow schools to display "symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah, Christmas tree, Nativity scene or other religious symbol associated with traditional winter celebrations," if more than one religion is featured or if there is also a secular symbol displayed.

Last year, a federal judge stopped the city of Evansville [Indiana] from issuing permits for plastic crosses that would be displayed on public property because it would violate the establishment clause of the First Amendment that prohibits Congress from establishing a national religion or national church.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

And also read the latest news of the rebellion against Christmas by secularists, including by President Obama.