Current Event

Washington Post Tuesday, June 15, 2004; (full article available on-line)

A unanimous Supreme Court ruled yesterday that the phrase "under God" may remain in the Pledge of Allegiance as recited in public school classrooms. But the Flag Day decision fell far short of the clear endorsement of the pledge's constitutionality that President Bush and leaders of both parties in Congress had sought.

While all eight justices who participated in the case voted to overturn a 2003 federal appeals court decision that would have barred the phrase in public schools as a violation of the constitutional ban on state-sponsored religion, a majority of five did so exclusively on procedural grounds, ruling that the atheist who brought the case, Michael A. Newdow, lacked legal standing to sue.

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The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said in a prepared statement: "The justices ducked this constitutional issue today, but it is certain to come back in the future."

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Still, the 9th Circuit decision sparked a political uproar, as the ruling was denounced by the president and nearly the entire membership of Congress. All 50 state governments, the National Education Association and the National School Boards Association also weighed in at the court in favor of the existing pledge.

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Opponents of the liberty to express religion in public buildings vs. the Constitution

Founding Document

The US Constitution: The first amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

We the People:

Americans United for Separation of Church and State predicted the return of this issue.  Since our elected officials nominate and confirm Supreme Court justices, we must support only those legislators who understand that first amendment does not limit the public expression of religion.  Likewise the people can coerce their legislators about members of the ninth circuit court of appeals; impeachment is an option.