PA Lawmaker Wants National Motto Displayed In Schools
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) --- A Pennsylvania lawmaker is generating national headlines with his effort to require that the official national motto be displayed in schools.
The national motto, designated by Congress and President Eisenhower in 1956, is "In God We Trust."
The sponsor of the bill is Allegheny County Republican Rick Saccone.
"I mean, it's everywhere," Saccone said. "So, it's our national motto and we're celebrating the 150th anniversary of 'In God We Trust' on our coins. That's what it's all about."
But Ed Joyce, president of the Delaware Valley Chapter of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, says it's not about history but religion:
"Clearly, it's a backdoor to getting religion into schools."
Joyce says just bringing the word "God" into schools is divisive.
The bill that would require schools to display "In God We Trust" was approved by a committee last week.
A spokesman for the House majority leader says he has "no idea" when it might come up for a full House vote.
