News Flash

As you are likely aware, in June of this year a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the 1954 act of Congress, which modified our Pledge of Allegiance. The Judge acknowledged that the words “under God” which were added in 1954, were an unconstitutional establishment of religion.

In the face of a hailstorm of criticism, lead by politicians looking to shore-up re-election campaigns, the ruling judge stayed his opinion until it could be reviewed before the entire Ninth Circuit. The American Humanist Association is closely watching for new developments in this case.

The Latest:

On Tuesday, October 8, 2002, the House of Representatives voted 401 to 5 in favor of a measure to keep “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. This resolution additionally reaffirms a governmental role in acknowledging “America’s religious heritage.” It even goes so far to instruct people to remove their nonreligious headgear before saying the pledge.

The only Representatives brave enough to stand-up for our Constitution and vote against this absurdity were Representatives Barney Frank (MA), Mike Honda (CA), Jim McDermott (WA), Bobbie Scott (VA), and Pete Stark (CA).

Stark said "The meaning of these words is only proven by Congress' religiously inspired crusade to chastise and even undo the Ninth Circuit's opinion."

Once passed in the Senate, it will go to the White House for signature.

Press Room