Plege of Allegiance Challenged

An atheist couple is asking Massachusetts’ highest court to get rid of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. They object to the words “under God." It could take several months for the court to rule. Read more details at the Washington Post here.

Pledge Suit Tossed

A New Jerson judge has thrown out a suit filed by an atheist couple against the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District. The couple, whose children attend school in the district and refused to be identified, claimed the use of the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance is a violation of their children's rights.

NBC "Pledge" Apology - Again

NBC has issued a formal apology to Congress for editing out "under God" from its broadcast of the U.S. Open golf championship. The network's presidents says the people involved have been "reprimanded" and "the mistake will not be repeated." A letter signed by 108 members of Congress to the network complained about the omission even after NBC issued an on-air apology.

NH Pledge Law Stands

An appeals court says a Pledge of Allegiance law in New Hampshire is constitutional. It requires schools to authorize a time each day for students to voluntarily recite the pledge. The court found the oath's reference to God doesn't violate students' rights, upholding a lower court ruling. The Freedom From Religion Foundation had filed a lawsuit on behalf of parents who identified themselves and their children as atheist and agnostic. Under the new law, students who choose not to recite the pledge may stand silently or remain seated.

Atheist Billboard Campaign

A new billboard campaign in North Carolina is taking a stab at religious values. The boards are sponsored by the North Carolina Secular Association and offer a few words from the Pledge of Allegiance (One Nation Indivisible) but with “under God" missing. The billboards are up along Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte and other spots in Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Raleigh. Two billboard companies refused to put up the billboards. One said the Pledge ad was too controversial.

Judge: Under God OK

A Texas judge has dismissed a lawsuit asking that the words "under God" be taken out of the Texas pledge of allegiance recited each morning by public schoolchildren. David Croft claims it’s a violation of separation of church and state. He has three children who are enrolled at the Carrollton-Farmers School District.

Pledge Pastor Dies

The man who’s sermon led to Under God being added to the Pledge of Allegiance has died. George M. Docherty was pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in 1954 when President Eisenhower visited. Docherty urged that the pledge to the flag be amended to add the two words used by Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address. He died of a heart ailment at his Pennsylvania home at the age of 97.