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Senate panel to vote on allowing Christmas in the classroom

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – An Indiana Senate committee is set to vote on a bill that would legally protect schools and teachers who want to celebrate Christmas in the classroom.

The Senate Education Committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon to vote on the bill, which allows schools to decorate with Nativity scenes or other Yuletide decorations, as long as another religious or secular holiday is recognized.

This is the second year in a row lawmakers have introduced this legislation. Last year it unanimously passed the Senate, but stalled in the House.

This year the bill takes it further, allowing religious displays on town and city properties.

It would also permit lessons on the history of winter holidays and traditional holiday greetings such as “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah.”