On May 29, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued its opinion in New Doe Child #1 v. Congress of the United States of America. Read the New Doe Child opinion. In this case, activist atheist Michael Newdow once again attacked this nation’s religious heritage—this time by for the second time challenging the placement of National Motto, “In God We Trust,” on United States currency. The Sixth Circuit affirmed the decision of the United States District Court of the Northern District of Ohio’s rejection of Newdow’s challenge.
Two days later, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit also upheld “In God We Trust.” In Mayle v. United States of America, the Seventh Circuit affirmed the decision of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, in which that court ruled against a challenge by a Satanist. Read the Mayle opinion.
“In God We Trust” has withstood seven challenges prior to these two, the first of which reached a federal Court of Appeals in 1970. The National Legal Foundation is dedicated to the defense of the National Motto. Most recently, the National Legal Foundation’s President, Steve Fitschen, and a Senior Litigation Counsel, Jim Davids, have agreed to serve significant roles with the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation (CPCF). [Meet the CPCF Executive Team here]. CPCF is leading the way to have the National Motto displayed in America’s public buildings, courtrooms, and public schools. [Visit the CPCF “In God We Trust” website].
Posting “In God We Trust” is also a major thrust of CPCF’s (and NLF’s) model legislation project. Learn more about the project here.