Jindal OK’s Christmas Tree Bill For Public Schools

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed a bill that gives public schools the explicit authority to put up nativity scenes and Christmas trees as part of a holiday display.

Supporters say the measure by Republican Rep. Alan Seabaugh, of Shreveport, was a clarification, to mirror a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows the school displays.

Schools could put up a menorah, nativity scene, a Christmas tree or other winter symbols if the display either represents more than one religion or includes one religion and at least one secular symbol.

The display can't include a "message that encourages adherence to a particular religious belief."

The bill passed the Legislature without objection.

Jindal's office announced the signing Thursday. The law takes effect Aug. 1.