Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee will not use Christmas to describe the state’s Christmas tree. This is the second year in a row he has called the state’s tree a “holiday” tree.
After last year’s fiasco, his office cancelled the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, but after 24 hours they rescheduled.
“Renaming a Christmas tree to a ‘Holiday tree’ is political correctness run amok,” said Matt Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. “A Menorah is associated with Hanukkah. Its name should not be changed. Santa and his sleigh appear during December bearing Christmas gifts. His name and those of his reindeer entourage should not be changed. Everyone knows that an evergreen tree decorated with lights and ornaments in December is a Christmas tree. The only reason to change the name is due to crass bigotry and ignorance.”
Spokeswoman Christine Hunsinger said Governor Chafee thinks “holiday” is more inclusive. Last year he said he called it a holiday tree was in “keeping with Rhode Island’s founding as a sanctuary for religious diversity.”
This is not the first incident of Christmas being removed. Alsip, IL decided not to raise a cross by their tollway, ending a 60 year tradition. Santa Monica officials ended a 70 year tradition of nativity scenes in Palisades Park.