It was just a matter of time: Buttars’ new project

I knew it was just a matter of time, but I just couldn’t believe this (Salt Lake Tribune post):

Buttars takes aim at stores waging ‘war on Christmas’

Sen. Chris Buttars wants Utah’s Legislature to declare its opposition to the "war on Christmas."

The West Jordan Republican is sponsoring a resolution encouraging retailers to embrace Christmas in their promotions rather than the generic "holidays."

"It would encourage the use of ‘Merry Christmas,’" Buttars said of the non-binding statement that is still being drafted. "I’m sick of the Christmas wars — we’re a Christian nation and ought to use the word."

Oh my god.  Where is separation of church and state in such legislation?  This is just as bad as the passed legislation (now Utah law) that mandates that public schools put "In God We Trust" in a "prominent" place in the school building or face a stiff fine for non compliance (I’m not kidding).

Civil Rights Attorney Brian Barnard is quoted in the article:

"Our country was not founded by a bunch of Christians," Barnard said. "They were people concerned about religious freedoms."

"If [Buttars] wants people to say ‘Merry Christmas’ because it’s the Christian thing to do," Barnard added, "then it becomes a violation of First Amendment rights."

I really hope my tax dollars are not wasted on this type of activity on the Hill in the upcoming legislative session.