Jindal OKs Christmas tree bill for public schools

BATON ROUGE (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.