Locals Join Protest of Holiday Tree

Governor Lincoln Chafee's decision to call the festive 17-foot Statehouse spruce a "holiday" tree rather then a "Christmas" tree continues to draw controversy this week, with protests planned for the state's official lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. tonight. WPRO talk-show host John DePetro has organized a group to attend the tree lighting ceremony at St. Patrick's Church on Smith Street in Providence before taking a bus to the statehouse.

"They're going to do it the way it should be done," Yvette Ayotte of Woonsocket said of tree lighting at St. Patrick's. Ayotte plans to join Depetro's demonstration, which will include singing traditional Christmas carols such as "Oh Christmas Tree" during the state ceremony.

Legislators voted last January on a resolution declaring that the tree, displayed annually in the State House Rotunda, should be referred to as a “Christmas tree and not as a ‘holiday tree’ or other non-traditional terms.” Some members of Congress, including Rep. Doreen Costa (R - District 31, Exeter, North Kingstown) have spoken out against Chafee's recent decision.

“He is refusing to honor what’s passed in the House of Representatives,” Rep. Doreen Costa, a co-sponsor of the resolution, told Fox News & Commentary. “That’s more concerning than anything else.”

NBC 10 reports that the governor's office received more than 3,600 complaints over the decision after FOX News included his office phone number in a story on the controversy last week. According to a spokesperson for the governor, all but 700 of the calls were from out-of-state. A on the subject illicted more than 300 comments airing opinions on both sides of the issue.

Chafee, meanwhile, has remained largely unswayed. In a press release dated Nov. 29, the governor explains "Use of the term “holiday tree” is a continuation of past practice, and does not represent a change of course on my part. I would encourage all those engaged in this discussion – whatever their opinion on the matter – to use their energy and enthusiasm to make a positive difference in the lives of their fellow Rhode Islanders."

WPRI.com's Ted Nesi dug up evidence of the claim, posting a 2009 invitation to a "Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony" sent out by former Governor Carcieri on the station's website.

For Ayotte and other opponents, the issue is about protecting the religious aspects of their holiday traditions.

"I think it's important," said Ayotte. "It's about keeping Christmas in our wonderful holiday." Ayotte said there are still seats available on the bus and has welcomed others to join her. Anyone interested in participating can call Ayotte at 356-4010.