Merry Christmas Bill Grants Freedom of Speech for Christians, Jews

By Lauren Leigh Noske 17 Jun, 2013 01:50 EDT

''Merry Christmas'' is displayed at the traditional Christkindelsmaerik (Christ Child market) in Strasbourg November 27, 2011. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler

Texas Governor Rick Perry signed the “Merry Christmas Bill” on June 13 which gives teachers and students the freedom to give traditional winter greetings, like “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah.” This bipartisan bill also protects their right to make flyers or posters with such sayings, and allows schools to display religious dcor such as Christmas trees, Menorahs, and Nativity Scenes.

Children who wish to take part in religious traditions in Texas public schools will have more liberty to do so during the holiday season this year. The “Merry Christmas Bill” reinstates the freedom of speech for those celebrating their faith during the winter months. The legislation was drafted by state representatives who believe that “our children, teachers, parents and school administrators should have the freedom to acknowledge these traditions in our public schools without fear of censorship, punishment, persecution or litigation. The Merry Christmas Bill guarantees that freedom.”

The bill protects the phrases “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah," and "Happy Holidays" from legal action. Signs can be posted with these sayings as well, so long as they do not contain messages that encourage readers to follow any particular religious belief. Says Texas State Senator Robert Nichols, “We are currently standing at a cultural crossroads in our society, and this is one step forward for those defending our traditional values and beliefs."

As he signed the bill, Governor Rick Perry reminded Americans that “Religious freedom does not mean freedom from religion." An online petition is available for those who would like for similar bills to be passed in their states as well.

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In order an effort to promote traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, in collaboration with Macao YMCA, Guangzhou Suigang'ao Teenagers Institute, and the Teacher Chang Foundation of Taiwan, has conducted a survey on teens measuring their cultural awareness. They found that Hong Kong youths generally identify with and support the values of traditional Chinese culture.
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Merry Christmas Bill Grants Freedom of Speech for Christians, Jews

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.