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Lawmaker’s ‘Merry Christmas bill’ would protect Christmas displays on government property
By Matt Smith (fox59)
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ind. (Dec. 22, 2014)– A nativity scene in Franklin County will stay up through Christmas.
State Sen. Jim Smith (R-Charlestown) wants it to stay that way forever.
“The tactics are certainly threats and intimidation to silence people,” Smith said, who plans to once again introduce his “Merry Christmas bill” during the upcoming session.
The Indiana American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation recently sued over the display outside the Franklin County courthouse, claiming it violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
A short-term agreement will keep the nativity scene up through Christmas and will come down the day after.
Smith’s legislation would protect Christmas celebrations in public schools and allow cities and towns to put up Christmas displays on government property if other faiths are represented, too. Smith said the purpose is to create guidelines and protections for schools and local government.
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