Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is calling the 17-foot spruce tree that will be lit inside the Statehouse rotunda a "holiday tree," even though the General Assembly passed a resolution calling it a "Christmas tree" earlier this year.
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According to The Providence Journal, the governor is defending his use of the term, saying it honors Rhode Island's heritage as a refuge for religious tolerance three centuries ago. Some state lawmakers criticize his position, and an Associated Press story on the issue has been picked up across the country. News outlets such as The Washington Post, MSNBC and the Huffington Post have all run with the story.
Earlier today, the Providence Journal also released the findings of a PolitiFact review, which found that local radio talk show host John DePetro falsely claimed that former Gov. Donald Carcieri had used the term "Christmas tree" for all eight years of his administration.
The governor is inviting all Rhode Islanders to join him and his wife for the annual lighting next Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m.
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