Press Release
Humanists Say: Let American Principles Shine in Pledge of Allegiance Case
Contact Information
Tony Hileman, Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Washington, D.C.- October 14, 2003) "The Pledge in its current form violates the American
principle of religious freedom. Adding a testimony of religious belief to
our statement of national loyalty is an unconstitutional endorsement of
religion," said Tony Hileman, executive director of the American Humanist
Association.
AHA leaders respond to the Supreme Court's choice to review the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals decision that schools must refrain from leading
students in the current version of the Pledge of Allegiance because it
includes the words "under God." Along with the question of standing, the
Court has agreed to review "Whether a public school district policy that
requires teachers to lead willing students in reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance, which includes the words 'under God,' violates the Establishment
Clause of the First Amendment."
Hileman continued, "It's both constitutionally and morally wrong for public
schools to place students without sectarian faith in the intimidating
position of having to either refuse in front of their peers to recite the
Pledge or pledge to something they do not believe in."
AHA president Mel Lipman added, "This is a chance for American principles to
shine. We look forward to the possibility of the Court taking the bold step
of federalizing the good sense of the Ninth Circuit decision. This case can
open the door to better treatment of the growing millions in our
increasingly diverse nation who, like Humanists, do not subscribe to a
belief in God as the word is intended in the Pledge of Allegiance."
Hileman concluded, "It's time for the Court to re-evaluate previous
decisions that called instances of public reference to God meaningless
'ceremonial deism.' As was made clear to anyone within earshot of last
summer's uproar over the Ninth Circuit Pledge decision, the words 'under God
' are meaningful words, and they are undeniably religious in meaning."
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The American Humanist Association is the oldest and largest Humanist organization in the nation. The AHA is dedicated to ensuring a voice for those with a positive nontheistic outlook, based on reason and experience, which embraces all of humanity.
For more information on the Pledge of Allegiance, please click on Pledge of Allegiance
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