Rick Perry Signs "Merry Christmas" Bill

With the Kountze High School cheerleaders looking on, yesterday Rick Perry signed a bill that forbids any legal challenge to the observance of religious traditions in public schools.

Dubbed the "Merry Christmas bill," the bipartisan measure sailed through the state House and Senate to reach Perry's desk. It removes legal risks of saying "Merry Christmas" in schools while also protecting traditional holiday symbols, such as a menorah or nativity scene, as long as more than one religion and a secular symbol are also reflected. "I realize it's only June. But it's a good June and the holidays are coming early this year," Perry said. "It's a shame that a bill like this one I'm signing today is even required, but I'm glad that we're standing up for religious freedom in this state. Religious freedom does not mean freedom from religion."

Bolding is mine.