Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has called for tolerance, not regulations, when dealing with religious symbols such as Christmas trees in courthouses.

On Wednesday, Attorney General Michael Bryant floated the idea of developing a Christmas tree placement policy after a judge ordered a Christmas tree removed from the lobby of the Toronto courthouse.

On Thursday, as McGuinty was visiting a multicultural elementary school in Mississauga, he said he's not interested in setting rules.

"I don't think it's the kind of thing that we really want to get into by way of specific protocols and policies and laws and regulations," McGuinty said. "Why can't we be as open-minded as the children of this school?"

Last week, Judge Marion Cohen ordered that a small artificial tree on display in the Ontario Court of Justice at 311 Jarvis St. be placed in a back hallway, out of sight of the entrance.

She said it was because it was a Christian symbol that might make some people feel uncomfortable.

McGuinty said Thursday everyone could learn from young students who celebrate the faiths and traditions of many cultures.

"How does a menorah offend anyone?" McGuinty asked. "How does a Christmas tree offend anyone? How does a celebration of Eid offend anyone?

"It enriches us."

The Ontario Bar Association has written to Bryant requesting a policy that "promotes a greater understanding of the diverse religions and cultures in Ontario by allowing displays and symbols, such as Christmas trees, in our courthouses."

With files from the Canadian Press