The First Amendment is under fire.
A handful of states are, with varying degrees of success, pushing to pass laws that would require public schools to display the phrase "In God We Trust" prominently.
Tennessee is the latest, with a bill having recently passed through both the state House and Senate. It is now being sent to Gov. Bill Haslam's desk where he will decide whether or not to sign it into law.
The author of the bill claims that it should not be controversial because Congress legally made "In God We Trust" the national motto in 1956. While this is true, it ignores the problem with codifying the phrase into law in the United States – whether it be on a federal or state level.
Today, one-quarter of Americans do not participate in any of the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). An enormous number – almost 23 percent – are "religious nones" – those who are either loosely spiritual or atheist/agnostic. As such, "In God We Trust" as a motto is necessarily excluding to an enormous number of Americans. More importantly, it unambiguously shows the government expressing preference for certain faiths over others.
Tennessee Gov. Haslam says that although he will consider signing this bill, he generally believes the law would be little more than an empty gesture.
Tell Gov. Haslam he should listen to his gut and decide against signing this bill into law by adding your name to this petition! Also, please member to share this with friends and family as well as on social media for maximum exposure!
