Texas Merry Christmas Law

A Lone-star Santa joined State Representatives Dwayne Bohac and Richard Raymond in an effort to raise awareness about the Texas Merry Christmas Law.The legislation, which was signed by Governor Rick Perry in 2013, bans the censorship of traditional winter holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah by school districts.

The state law not only allows students and teachers to say “Merry Christmas,” it also allows schools to display Christmas trees, nativity scenes and menorahs.

“We can restore fun and magic to the Christmas and Hanukkah season, we can do this together, we can all get along, and have fun doing it,” said Representative Bohac.

But as Representative Raymond, who co-sponsored the legislation pointed out, the law does not allow messages that encourage adherence to any religious belief.

“And we are not trying to make you believe in Christmas or Hanukkah, you don’t have to, that’s not what this is. What this is saying is its OK if you do, that’s all,” he said.

The two state lawmakers felt this reminder was necessary today considering an incident last year.

Frisco ISD PTA sent out an e-mail in an attempt to ban red and green decorations and references to Christmas and Christmas Trees, according to Jonathan Saenz with Texas Values. That statement was disputed in an email sent to FOX 7 by Frisco ISD Superintendent Jeremy Lyon who wrote that it is,  “a complete lie that Frisco banned Christmas.”

Administrators in Round Rock, Leander and Austin say they are aware of the law and allow Christmas and Hannukkah to be observed in their schools as long as it complies with state law.