Pa. House Advances 'In God We Trust' Bill
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - The state House has passed and sent to the Senate a bill that would tell schools they may display the nation's official motto – "In God We Trust" – on school property.
The bill, which allows the posting of "In God We Trust" and the Bill of Rights in schools, was previously amended by the House to eliminate language that had required schools to display the national motto.
That's still not good enough for Philadelphia Democrat Mike O'Brien, who says lawmakers have been preoccupied with religion in the current session.
"Our role here is not to create a theocracy but to create a Commonwealth that represents all people of all beliefs," O'Brien said. "And I think that this piece of legislation is nothing but an exercise in silliness."
The sponsor of the bill said in an interview last year that "In God We Trust" has been on American currency for 150 years and is a part of our history. The bill goes to the Senate, where a spokesman for the majority leader can't say when or if it will be considered there.