CBN News - ACLJ Asks Court to Reject Inaugural Lawsuit

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CBNNews.com - WASHINGTON -- The American Center for Law and Justice is asking a district court to dismiss a lawsuit by a group of athiests to remove a long-standing reference to God in the presidential oath of office before Tuesday's inauguration.

Athiest Michael Newdow filed the lawsuit to ban the phrase "so help me God" from being a part of President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration. Thirty-nine non-theist groups and individuals have joined the suit.

The ACLJ is also asking the court for all references and prayers to remain a part of the inauguration. In addition to the oath, Newdow is seeking to remove any other references to God and religion during the ceremony.

"This is once again a flawed attempt to purge all religious references and observances from American public life," said Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel.

"The fact is that this country has a long history of invoking God at inaugural events," he explained. "Such references are not only appropriate but constitutional as well. This legal challenge is clearly misplaced and we're hopeful it will be rejected by the court."

Newdow has twice lost claims challenging inaugural prayer in the past and the ACLJ argues that the lawsuit "must not be permitted to move forward."

References to God at inaugurations date back to the very origins of the United States, according to the ACLJ.

The American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.