Victory: Missouri Keeps Christ in Christmas; Respects All Faiths

AFA Staff : Nov 4, 2013
American Family Association

AFA applauds Missouri lawmakers' intervention in allowing religious celebrations at public schools after Gov. vetoes bill.

(Tupelo, MI)—Missouri has been in a state of debate over the past few weeks, embroiled in an issue close to many Christians' hearts.

State lawmakers and Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon have been back and forth over a bill (HB 278) that would have restricted all religious celebrations in public schools in the state. Now, thanks to lawmakers there, students, teachers and staff at public schools will have the freedom to observe Christmas, or any federal holiday, without restrictions.

This summer, Gov. Nixon vetoed House Bill 278, citing "public safety" concerns. Then in September, state lawmakers overrode the Governor's veto, voting in essence to keep religious liberties intact for the residents of Missouri. The law went into effect in late October.

Although the law did not explicitly mention Christmas, supporting lawmakers of the bill have said that Christmas was specifically in mind when the bill was drafted, according to an article in The Christian Post. The bill's text reads, in part, "No state or local governmental entity, public building, public park, public school, or public setting or place shall ban or otherwise restrict the practice, mention, celebration, or discussion of any federal holiday."

American Family Association (AFA, afa.net) President, Tim Wildmon, applauds the lawmakers' action in Missouri, stating, "We thank God for the lawmakers who wanted to keep Christmas in schools in Missouri. It takes brave men and women to stand up for religious freedom in today's society. We should look to them as an example, especially as Christmas is whittled down to little or no meaning. We know better, and we will always remember God's gift to the entire world during the upcoming Christmas season."

American Family Association encourages all Christians to "Keep Christ in Christmas" by remembering the true meaning for the season and reminding others about the real reason behind Christmas—the miracle of Christ's birth. Details about AFA's "Keep Christ in Christmas" campaign are available at www.afa.net.