Source: The New York Times

Wire Service: AP

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Pledge-of-Allegiance.html?

On July 18, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "An atheist who convinced a federal appeals court three years ago that the words 'under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance are unconstitutional returned to court Monday and made his case a second time. Michael Newdow, a doctor and lawyer, is suing four Sacramento-area school districts on behalf several atheist children and their families. The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed his first case last year, saying he lacked standing to bring it on behalf of his elementary-aged daughter because he did not have custody of her. Newdow suffered a setback Monday in his latest case when the judge said he plans to throw out several parts of Newdow's lawsuit... Despite his indication about limiting the lawsuit, the judge acknowledged that Newdow may have a valid point about the pledge in schools. The words 'under God' were inserted into the pledge by Congress in 1954. 'There is nothing whatsoever that requires acknowledging God to love this country,' Karlton said... Eight co-plaintiffs have joined the latest lawsuit. The plaintiffs' names have been withheld for fear of physical harm."