WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Just in time for the holidays, a Texas lawmaker is making extra sure everyone remembers wishing someone “Merry Christmas” is now protected by law in public schools around the state.
Houston Republican Rep. Dwayne Bohac is holding a state Capitol press conference Monday with his son Reagan and with Santa Claus.
He sponsored a bipartisan measure that garnered national attention when it sailed through the Legislature this summer. It removes legal risks from exchanging holiday greetings in the classroom, and also protects holiday symbols such as a menorah or nativity scene.
Bohac said it will stop “ridiculous” past lawsuits against schools in the name of excessive political correctness.
The law also says schools are constitutionally barred from favoring one religious celebration over another. But it’s named in honor of Christmas.
