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Sanders Rejects Demand to Rescind Christian Language in Arkansas Christmas Office Closure

The Freedom From Religion Foundation says the explicit Christian language in the official notice violates the Establishment Clause.

Freedom from Religion Foundation wrote a letter rebuking Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee for her proclamation closing state offices the day after Christmas, saying the Republican governor used her "official capacity" to "advance a specific religious viewpoint, in violation of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause." (WILL NEWTON/AP FILE)
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Overview

  • Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders kept Arkansas state offices closed on Friday, Dec. 26, and her proclamation recounted the birth of Jesus and urged thanks to Christ.
  • FFRF sent a formal letter asserting she used her official capacity to advance a specific religious viewpoint and urged her to withdraw the proclamation.
  • Sanders replied in an official letter, stating “I will do no such thing,” and argued it is impossible to acknowledge Christmas without its religious meaning.
  • She cited attending a Menorah lighting to dispute claims her administration alienates non-Christian Arkansans and said the proclamation highlighted humility rather than doctrine.
  • As of the latest reports, no lawsuit or injunction has been filed, and FFRF emphasizes it objects to the proclamation’s theology rather than the additional day off.