Elko County seeks to retain "under God" in pledge

RENO -- Elko County's statewide campaign to keep the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance has been joined by Douglas and Churchill counties.

Elko County Commission Chairman John Ellison said he was encouraged by the counties' commitment and hopes others will sign on.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in June that the words added to the pledge in 1954 violate the constitutional separation of church and state.

If allowed to stand, the ruling would mean students could no longer recite the pledge at least in the nine Western states covered by the court.

"Our goal is for every county in the state to weigh in on this issue. This will help give our congressional delegation additional strength as they move toward pushing for an appeal," Ellison said.

When the ruling was announced, Ellison said, Elko County took a position against the decision.

"We want people throughout the country to know where Nevadans stand," Ellison said. He hopes state lawmakers also will pass a resolution.

Douglas commissioners adopted a resolution similar to the Elko version. Both note use of the word God is "woven in our national customs, currency and public ceremonies and does not attempt to alienate or endorse any person or entities religious or nonreligious belief."

"This is the right thing to do at the right time, Douglas Commission Chairman Steve Weissinger told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "The pledge has been in place for almost half a century. Its not appropriate for one person to decide policy for millions of Americans."

Churchill County Manager B.J. Selinder said commissioners backed the Elko request but want to prepare a similarly worded resolution.

The San Francisco-based appeals court panel ruled 2-1 in a challenge by Michael Newdow, a Sacramento doctor, lawyer and atheist, on behalf of his daughter.

He had sued the Elk Grove School District, calling the pledge a "religious idea that certain people don't agree with."

The court opted against enforcing its ruling pending possible further appeals.