Wisconsin Committee Votes To Call Decorated Tree Near State Building "Christmas Tree"

Madison, WI (AHN) -- City officials recently decided that the decorated tree in the Capital Rotunda will be known as the Wisconsin State Christmas Tree, and not a holiday tree.

The 8-1 ruling by the Assembly State Affairs Committee was made in response to a proposal by a state lawmaker, calling for the tree to be known as a Christmas tree, and not a "holiday tree", for which it has been known since 1985.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Marlin Schneider, D-Wisconsin Rapids, stated that schoolchildren gathering around the display have been calling it a Christmas tree, and it should be changed to just that.

He further argued that the term "holiday tree" does not specify which holiday the tree is supposed to celebrate, as reported by the Pierce County Herald.

The proposal was not without its opposition, which came in the form of Re. Chuck Benedict, D-Beloit. He argued that terming the tree a Christmas tree would be potentially offensive to non-Christians/

"Since we represent those people also, we should be sensitive to their beliefs," Political Gateway quoted Rep. Benedict.

The bill also got negative comments from Madison's Freedom from Religion Foundation. They said, however, that should the bill become law, they will not be bringing the matter to court.

The full Assembly vote to change the tree's name could take place next Tuesday.