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California Woman Pushing Initiative To Require Christmas Carols In Schools

By Howard M. Friedman

Yesterday's Redding, California Record Searchlight reports on the progress of Merry Hyatt who is collecting signatures for a proposed ballot initiative (full text) that would require public schools to "provide opportunities to its pupils for listening or performing Christmas music at an appropriate time of year." The measure describes Christmas music as a "longstanding American tradition and a significant element of our cultural heritage as Americans." The initiative also provides that parents may opt their children out of the sessions. The proposed initiative was filed with California's Attorney General's office in September. Proponents must obtain 433,971 signatures by the end of March 2010 in order for the initiative to appear on the ballot. Rob Boston of Americans United says the proposed initiative is "blatantly unconstitutional."

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 09, 2009 (boomark / email).