CARMEL, Calif. - A federal judge in California has ruled that Christmas trees are no longer seen as religious symbols and therefore, a menorah – which is religious – doesn't have to be displayed at a school holiday ceremony.The San Francisco Chronicle reports that U.S.
District Judge Beth Labson Freeman of San Jose on Friday relied on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Christmas trees are no longer purely religious symbols in making a decision on whether Michele Lyons in Carmel would be able to add a menorah to a school ceremony where her third-grader attended. MORE: Bay Area celebrates 1st night of HanukkahThe Supreme Court ruling paved the way for a menorah to be placed next to the Christmas tree outside City Hall, Freeman said.