SB277 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Phillip W. Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Holidays, to allow seasonal religious displays
Summary: SB277 would allow public displays of Christmas-related images on public property if the display includes secular elements and does not advance a particular religion.
What This Bill Does
The bill adds findings about displaying religious holiday imagery on public property and cites court decisions to support accommodation. It allows nativity scenes, Christmas trees, or other Christmas imagery on public property as long as the display includes at least one secular element. It applies to public property such as government buildings or parks and aims to balance religious expression with government neutrality. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects
Public entities that own or maintain public property (e.g., cities, counties, state agencies) that may display Christmas imagery if the display includes secular elements.
Community groups or organizations seeking to display holiday imagery on public property, subject to the secular-element requirement.

Key Provisions
Section 1 establishes legislative findings about the display of religious holiday imagery on public property and references court rulings to support accommodation of such displays.
Section 2 allows an image, scene, or symbol associated with a religious holiday to be displayed on public property if the display includes at least one secular scene or symbol.
Section 3 states the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Holidays