1st Circuit Hears Arguments in Pledge Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has heard oral arguments on an important case involving the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance and the phrase "under God." 

As you may recall, the ACLJ, which has been active in protecting the Pledge in court challenges nationwide, filed an amicus brief with the federal appeals court in this case on behalf of more than 40 members of Congress and more than 80,000 Americans. 

During oral arguments before the appeals court in the case of Freedom From Religion Foundation v. U.S., the three-judge panel aggressively questioned both sides and it appeared that the panel focused largely on whether the "under God" phrase is religious or a nod to the political philosophy holding that Americans have inalienable rights.

You can read a news account of the arguments here.

As you may recall, the ACLJ amicus brief filed in this case was very clear:  It's our belief that there is absolutely no legal reason to strike the words "under God" from the Pledge and reject this time-honored tradition.  This challenge is like many others - a troubling attempt to rewrite history - a legal challenge that we believe has no merit and ultimately will be rejected by the appeals court.

You can read our earlier news release on this filing and the amicus brief itself here.

We will keep you posted on this important case and bring you news when the 1st Circuit issues its decision.