Santa Approves: House Ok's Merry Christmas Bill

AUSTIN (AP) - On the brink of summer, defending Christmas is on the wish list of the Texas Legislature.

The House on Wednesday approved a bipartisan bill that aims to remove legal risks of saying “Merry Christmas” in Texas public schools. Traditional holiday symbols, such as a menorah or nativity scene, would also win a nod of state support so long as more than one religion and a secular symbol are also reflected.

State Rep. Dwayne Bohac says the bill seeks to protect schools from “ridiculous” lawsuits. Says the Houston Republican: “Teachers are fearful of calling a Christmas tree a Christmas tree.”

Several Santa Claus impersonators were in the House gallery when the bill came up. They rang sleigh bells upon passage.

[via ABC 13 Houston]