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U.S. House Votes to Protect Pledge of Allegiance from Courts

By Gudrun Schultz

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 20, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The House voted to pass a bill Wednesday that would prevent federal judges from ruling on the constitutionality of the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, saying the pledge authentically reflects the nation’s religious origins.

If passed into law, the measure would prevent federal courts from ruling on the constitutionality of the pledge, although state judicial systems could still declare it to be against state constitutions. The legislation, which passed the House in a 260-167 vote, will now move to the Senate.

“We should not and cannot rewrite history to ignore our spiritual heritage,” said Tennessee Rep. Zach Wamp, reported the Associated Press. “It surrounds us. It cries out for our country to honor God.”

Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest public policy women’s group, praised Congress for voting to uphold and defend the phrase “under God” in the pledge, saying the passing of the Pledge Protection Act protected America’s “most fundamental oath—keeping with our constitutional freedoms.”

“Americans want to preserve our national pledge, which represents our devotion and loyalty to our country,” said Lanier Swann, director of government relations for CWA.
“Our pledge distinguishes us from many other nations that also proclaim their patriotism. We as Americans are free from an established church and are ensured with the privilege to worship as we choose. Our pledge simply emphasizes that freedom.”

“The words ‘under God’ in our Pledge remind us of the many struggles our Founders had to endure through history to secure the freedoms we now enjoy. It is an oath uniting us as a nation and a promise to maintain the honor of our country.”

The measure was brought forward in the House after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2002 that the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional for public schools; Sacramento atheist Michael Newdow had sued on behalf of his daughter.

Just last week on July 12, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming the national motto of the United States, “In God We Trust.” The resolution was passed just days after a California federal trial judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Mr. Newdow challenging the constitutionality of the motto.

See related LifeSiteNews coverage:

U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Reaffirming National Motto: “In God We Trust”
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/jul/06071401.html

Atheist's Challenge to "In God We Trust" National Motto Dismissed by Federal Judge
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/jun/06061302.html

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