Senate OKs posting 'In God We Trust'
February 5, 2003
Public schools would be required to display a national motto, "In God We Trust," in a conspicuous place near the main entrance of each building if legislation the Indiana Senate passed 44-6 on Tuesday becomes law.
Senate Bill 532, authored by Sen. Johnny Nugent, R-Lawrenceburg, also requires the Indiana attorney general to defend the state against any litigation arising from the bill. Nationally, this effort is being pushed by the American Family Association.
The Indiana Civil Liberties Union has successfully challenged similar efforts, including legislation to erect a 7-foot-high, 11,500-pound limestone slab posting the Ten Commandments on the Statehouse lawn. The ICLU argued that the monument was an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.
"If there is no secular purpose, it is unconstitutional," Sen. Anita Bowser, D-Michigan City, warned colleagues during Tuesday's debate on the pending bill.
But advocates, including Senate President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton, R-Columbus, say it is a national motto, and it should be taught.
"What is wrong with teaching schoolchildren about a national motto, regardless of whether they believe in Allah or whatever?" Garton said.
"In God We Trust" is one of two national mottoes. The other -- "E Pluribus Unum," meaning "out of many, one" -- is not part of the Senate bill.
February 5, 2003
Public schools would be required to display a national motto, "In God We Trust," in a conspicuous place near the main entrance of each building if legislation the Indiana Senate passed 44-6 on Tuesday becomes law.
Senate Bill 532, authored by Sen. Johnny Nugent, R-Lawrenceburg, also requires the Indiana attorney general to defend the state against any litigation arising from the bill. Nationally, this effort is being pushed by the American Family Association.
The Indiana Civil Liberties Union has successfully challenged similar efforts, including legislation to erect a 7-foot-high, 11,500-pound limestone slab posting the Ten Commandments on the Statehouse lawn. The ICLU argued that the monument was an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.
"If there is no secular purpose, it is unconstitutional," Sen. Anita Bowser, D-Michigan City, warned colleagues during Tuesday's debate on the pending bill.
But advocates, including Senate President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton, R-Columbus, say it is a national motto, and it should be taught.
"What is wrong with teaching schoolchildren about a national motto, regardless of whether they believe in Allah or whatever?" Garton said.
"In God We Trust" is one of two national mottoes. The other -- "E Pluribus Unum," meaning "out of many, one" -- is not part of the Senate bill.
I can't find the article now but a member of the Senate basically said that they didn't expect the House to pass it. Still, whether this becomes law or not shouldn't be an issue - it never should have been propsed let alone passed with that kind of majority.
Comment