“In God We Trust” Resolution Ignores Nonbelievers

Humanists and church-state advocates expressed disappointment with the House of Representatives this week when they voted on a Congressional resolution “supporting and encouraging” the placement of “In God We Trust” in “all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.” House Concurrent Resolution 13 was introduced on January 26 and passed by a vote of 396 to 9, with 2 voting present.

“This is an open attack on Thomas Jefferson’s wall of church-state separation,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “To place such religious language on public buildings is not only unconstitutional, it signals to the millions of non-religious Americans that they are second-class citizens.”

Speckhardt said Congress should instead promote E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One) which was the effective motto of the United States until “In God We Trust” was made official in 1956. He adds that E Pluribus Unum is an inclusive motto that respects the secular foundations of our country.

The resolution will now move to the U.S. Senate, where the American Humanist Association (AHA) plans to lobby members against this harmful piece of legislation that ignores America’s secular citizens.

“A clear message was sent by those who voted for this resolution’s passage that secular Americans do not deserve to be considered eligible for our constitution’s equal protection guarantees,” Speckhardt added. “Such protections are seriously eroded whenever the bulwark between church and state is breached.”

Related articles:

1. American Humanist Association Decries “In God We Trust” Motto Resolution
2. ‘In God We Trust’ resolution protested by Secular Coalition
3. Take Action: Urge Congress to oppose divisive ‘In God We Trust’ resolution
4. Secular Coalition Urges House Committee to Oppose ‘In God We Trust’ Resolution
5. Americans United criticizes divisive Congressional resolution promoting display of ‘In God We Trust’