Va. Legislators approve 'In God We Trust' courtroom postings

Legislators in Virginia have approved legislation requiring state courtrooms to post "In God We Trust" signs, but the measure may never take effect due to the state's budget crisis.

The bill, which overwhelmingly passed the House of Delegates in January, still requires the signature of Gov. Mark Warner (D) to become law. But even if Warner does sign the measure, the posters may not be going up anytime soon. Lawmakers added a provision to the bill requiring that the General Assembly pay for the postings, and lawmakers are reluctant to approve any new spending since the state faces a $3.8 billion budget shortfall.

Sen. Kenneth W. Stolle, a Virginia Beach Republican, summed up the matter, saying, "So, unless the General Assembly appropriates funds, which I don't believe is done in the Senate budget, the law won't become effective."

The American Family Association, a Religious Right group headquartered in Tupelo, Miss., has launched a national crusade to prod states to pass laws requiring the posting of "In God We Trust" in public schools and government buildings. The drive has picked up steam since the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.

In related news:

* Officials in the Troy, Mich., school district have voted to post "In God We Trust" signs in all of its schools. The display will also include a U.S. flag, state and national mottos and symbols such as the state bird.

Michigan Gov. John Engler signed a law Dec. 21 encouraging local governments to post the motto. Troy is apparently the first local jurisdiction to do so.

* An anti-terrorism bill in South Carolina contains an unusual feature: a provision requiring public schools to post "In God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum." The bill, which deals primarily with criminal justice issues, is pending before the House Judiciary Committee.

* A legislative panel in Florida has voted to require public schools to post "In God We Trust" in a "prominent place." The measure cleared the House of Representatives' Council for Lifelong Learning Feb. 7 and is pending before the entire House.

* Indiana lawmakers are also pushing "In God We Trust" legislation. A Senate panel in late January approved legislation that would require public schools to post an 11-by-14 inch framed display of the motto but states that the signs must be paid for with private funds. The legislation appears to have been based on a measure that passed and was signed into law in Mississippi.

Copyright Americans United for Separation of Church and State Mar 2002
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