Atheist to File Lawsuit Challenging “In God We Trust” on Currency

November 14, 2005

Source: Beliefnet

Wire Service: AP

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/178/story_17896_1.html

On November 14, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "An atheist who has spent years trying to ban recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is now challenging the national motto printed on U.S. currency. Michael Newdow said Sunday that he planned to file a federal lawsuit this week asking for the removal of the national motto, 'In God We Trust,' from U.S. coins and dollar bills. He claims it's an unconstitutional endorsement of religion and 'excludes people who don't believe in God.' Newdow, a Sacramento doctor and lawyer who is an avowed atheist, used a similar argument when he challenged the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools because it contains the words 'under God'... Newdow said his efforts are not spurred by an atheistic agenda, but rather by a desire to see the government adhere to the U.S. Constitution. He dismissed opponents' arguments that references to God in government honor the country's religious roots, saying constitutional rights should take precedence."