Lawmakers seek to defend “merry Christmas”

Georgia’s Legislature has reentered the “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays” debate.

State Rep. Clay Cox (R-Lilburn) has revived legislation that would prohibit all state and county government agencies and school boards from barring people from saying “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” or any other holiday expression.

Cox has said he has heard from teachers, public employees and students who were afraid to say, “Merry Christmas.”

“It protects free speech of our public employees and our students,” Cox told the House Civil Judiciary Committee this morning moments before the panel gave preliminary approval to his bill.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia raised Constitutional concerns about the bill before the committee endorsed the measure.

“It is problematic because it is actually constitutionally unsound,” said Maggie Garrett, legislative director for the ACLU of Georgia. “Because of the way the bill is drafted, I think it may actually create more confusion for teachers.”

The Georgia School Boards Association is also raising concerns.

“It is a very short, simple bill,” said Angela Palm, director of policy for the association, “but I have to tell you I find it very confusing as to exactly what it is that it would direct a school board to do.”

HB 12 applies to all public and legal holidays. But government agencies and schools would still be allowed to enforce regulations preventing “unlawful speech or expression” that disrupts class work or violates the rights of others.

The bill is similar to legislation Cox introduced last year. That bill passed the House but didn’t make it out of the Senate.

National radio talk shows have fueled the debate over whether government employees should say “Merry Christmas” or the more generic “Happy Holidays.” And some Christian groups have also complained about government agencies and major retailers taking the words “Merry Christmas” out of seasonal marketing displays.