That it is the policy of the state that state officials and departments refer to the tree customarily erected or displayed in celebration of the period from Thanksgiving of each year to January of the following year as a "Christmas tree" and not as a "holiday tree" or other non-traditional terms...However Chafee says he is merely respecting the state's history of religious tolerance. He added that lawmakers who are upset should instead focus their energy on feeding the hungry. A press release from Liberty Counsel yesterday reported that John Leyden, the owner of Big John Leyden Christmas Trees, who donated the tree that will be lit this year says he may now take it back.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Rhode Island's "Holiday Tree" Provokes Criticism
Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee has generated controversy after a press release announcing a "holiday tree lighting" to be held in the Statehouse Rotunda on Dec. 6. AP reported this week that critics are upset he is not calling it a "Christmas tree." Last January, the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed a resolution (full text) providing:
