Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaine Perotti
Not everyone believes in God, though.
Our constitution forbids government from respecting any "establishment of religion". To me, it is pretty clear that the words "under God" violate those terms. My religious beliefs (and the beliefs of many others) do not include a belief in God. By legislating the words "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance, the government is respecting a particular establishment of religion. That is unconstitutional.
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If you think this is bad, examine Article 1 Section 4 of the Texas constitution. This section denies atheists the right to hold public office in Texas, and it's not only the Texan gonvernment that does this, five other states have similar passages in their constitutions. Religious discrimination by the government is alive and well in the United States, it may be unconstitutional, but that doesn't stop people from doing it.
EDIT: I just went back and double checked my numbers, and it is in fact six states in addition to Texas, plus one that says you can be denied public office for being an atheist, but doesn't say that you will be.