In the run-up to the inaugural, President-elect Obama said he would continue the practice, whatever its origins. But several atheist groups filed a suit to remove the words from the oath on the grounds that it violates the separation of church and state. They were also joined by prominent atheist and activist Michael Newdow, who lost a suit to have the phrase “under God” removed from the Pledge of Allegiance. On Jan. 15, a federal judge also ruled against Newdow and the others in their bid to force Obama not to say “So help me God.”
| Website | http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/31/inauguration.lawsuit/ |
| Categories | Beliefs & practices, Church & state, Elections, Faith leaders, Government & politics, Law & courts, Media |
| Locations | United States of America |
| Faiths | Christianity |
| Languages | English |