Wednesday, 26 April 2000
http://www.azstarnet.com/public/dnews/000426mottos.html
From staff and wire reports
Ohio's motto, "With God, all things are possible," was declared unconstitutional yesterday by a federal appeals court that said the phrase amounts to a government endorsement of Christianity.
Arizona's state motto mentions God and is the only motto that does so among the Western states.
The 2-1 decision by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's ruling that permitted Ohio's use of the motto. The motto was taken from the New Testament, specifically Matthew 19:26, which quotes Jesus Christ.
"When Jesus spoke to his disciples, he was explaining to them what was needed of them to enter heaven and achieve salvation, a uniquely Christian thought not shared by Jews and Moslems," Circuit Judge Avern Cohn wrote for the three-judge panel.
In a dissent, Circuit Judge David Nelson said he found Ohio's motto no more troubling than the words "In God We Trust" on U.S. coins.
Ohio's motto was challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union, which contended the phrase cannot be separated from its biblical context as part of a discussion of salvation.
The ACLU, representing the Rev. Matthew Peterson, a Presbyterian minister in suburban Cleveland, challenged all official uses of the motto, which was adopted in 1959.
"This is maybe the blandest statement about God that has ever been struck down," said Douglas Laycock, professor of law at the University of Texas.
According to Cohn, two federal appeals courts since 1970 have ruled that "In God We Trust" is permissible and does not amount to a government sponsorship or endorsement of religion. Cohn said the U.S. Supreme Court has never decided a direct challenge to either the inclusion of God in the Pledge of Allegiance or "In God We Trust," which he said is adapted from the Book of Psalms.
The state said it will challenge the ruling.
Mottoes of Western states
Arizona: Ditat Deus (God Enriches)
California: Eureka (I Have Found It)
Colorado: Nil Sine Numine (Nothing Without Providence)
Idaho: Esto Perpetua (Let It Be Perpetual)
Montana: Oro y Plata (Gold and Silver)
Nevada: All for Our Country
New Mexico: Crescit Eundo (It Grows as It Goes)
Oregon: Alis Volat Propriis (She Flies With Her Own Wings)
Texas: Friendship
Utah: Industry
Washington: (An Indian word for Bye and Bye)
Wyoming: Equal Rights
Source: World Book Encyclopedia