News Flash

December 5, 2002
Tony Hileman, (202) 238-9088

On December 4, 2002, a federal appeals panel in California ruled that Michael Newdow had the right bring his case to court. The case gained national attention in June 2002 when Newdow, acting on behalf of his daughter, challenged the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools on the grounds that the phrase "under God" violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.

The June decision, opposed by Congress, the president, and the mother of Newdow's daughter, was challenged in the courts and put on hold until yesterday's decision to reinstate the June ruling affecting nine western states that recitation of the pledge in schools is unconstitutional.

The American Humanist Association commends Newdow, the members of the US House of Representatives who supported the original decision, and the judges in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California as courageous defenders of the Constitution and the separation of religion and government.

For more information on the Pledge of Allegiance, click on Pledge of Allegiance

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