July 29, 2010

Court: 'Under God' In Pledge Is Constitutional

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By KSEE News

Story Published: Mar 11, 2010 at 5:20 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 12, 2010 at 3:45 AM EDT

A federal appeals court in San Francisco ruled Thursday that the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is constitutional.

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In a 2-1 ruling, the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals panel rejected arguments by Sacramento atheist Michael Newdow that the phrase violates the separation between church and state.

Newdow's previous lawsuit against the pledge in public schools reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2004. But the high court said he didn't have the legal standing to make the challenge on behalf of his daughter.

So Newdow, who is a doctor and lawyer, filed a similar challenge on behalf of other parents who objected to their children being required to recite "under God."

In a separate ruling Thursday, the appeals court also upheld the use of the phrase "In God We Trust" on coins and currency.

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View Oldest Comments First

sh said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 7:12 PM

why do people make things so difficult. If you don't believe in god then just keep your mouth shut when those words come up. No one is forcing you to repeat it. For all of us that DO believe in god we can say it without taking anything away from anyone!

nicholas siewert said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 10:20 PM

all of you believers don't forget that catholic priests who committed horrible acts against children, terrorists who also worship Yahweh, and many other will be in heaven with you. I would rather dine in hell than with those soles. Further Jesus sent a message of love in his version of the Torah not hate all I hear form you is hatred so you believers need to look in the mirror some.

Belives in God. said on Friday, Mar 12 at 12:50 PM

has thisAtheist ever figured out where He is going after He passes on. I belive Hell is not a nice Place to go.He should reconziter and belive in God instead,

HEisAlive88 said on Friday, Mar 12 at 5:00 AM

JESUS died on the cross to reconcile us with GOD. Let us all join together in prayer for the lost and the confused for the battle is not between flesh and blood but against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph. 6-12) GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Thos said on Friday, Mar 12 at 4:01 AM

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.(Psalms 33:12) … The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God…(Psalms 14:1)

Rick said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:22 AM

I think all atheist should have there own little island on a volcano so that when judgment day comes they can go straight to hell and save God the time to judge them. Let our country worship God as we always have and always will. If you don't like our ways there's plenty of way to get out of here.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:15 AM

Look seriously at the state of all things where we've opted to remove "God". If we remove Him from our money, we can without doubt expect to see the current financial situation in this country worsen. Now is the time to cry out to God for mercy and to praise Him because whether you believe in Him or not, we enjoy the blessings & freedoms His grace has provided.

nicholas siewert said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:15 AM

I do not believe in god, but the pledge of allegiance does not need to be changed and it needs to be said. To me it is more tradition than anything else.

PAM said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 8:30 PM

Why doesn't he move out of this country he hates so much!!! We would be happy to help him pack!!!

kellnbrt said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 8:11 PM

It's not about god. It's about "AMERICA", show some respect.

Connie said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 8:03 PM

He does have too much time on his hands and his girl doesnt live with him- what a moron.

jim 67 636pm said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 7:37 PM

send me your ashes when you die so i can mix them in the cat litter

Frank said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 7:32 PM

Take a look around. For those of you that do not believe in God, I feel sorry for you. You honestly think that we just live and die? What about those children that never get a chance to grow up? Do you think they just stay burried in the dirt? You should believe in God, what do you have to lose?

zsandon said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 7:02 PM

This is a travesty. God apparently has nothing to do with religion. This would be funny if it was not so serious. I want nothing to do with any god - should my rights not be protected equally to those of any believing person? I do not trust in God, I want no contamination from any association with that purported being. Where is my right NOT to believe accounted for and respected?

freethought said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 6:44 PM

I am hoping that all children are given the chance to opt out on saying the "in god" part. As far as I know, we are still allowed to not believe in god in this country. I had a lot more freedoms when I was a child.

Anonymous said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 5:49 PM

this guy has too much time on his hands! go volunteer put your time to GOOD use!!

C ST said on Thursday, Mar 11 at 5:36 PM

Great news!!!

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