Federal Court dismisses lawsuit that seeks to remove 'In God We Trust' from currency

A federal judge has dismissed a complaint filed by an atheist seeking to remove the phrase "In God We Trust" from the U.S. currency.

"Plaintiffs cannot demonstrate that the use of the motto on currency substantially burdens their religious exercise," Judge Benita Pearson stated in her ruling on Wednesday, as reported by Christian News.

"No reasonable viewer would think a person handling money does so to spread its religious message," she added.

The judge further noted that the government does not require anyone to display money and that it does not exist for the specific purpose of being observed or read by the public.

Michael Newdow initially filed a complaint about the U.S. currency in March 2013 in the Southern District of New York. He argued that the phrase violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution because it proselytizes to unbelievers. His complaint was dismissed by a district court judge in September that same year.

He brought his case to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan in May 2014, but it was also struck down.

Newdow filed a new case with 43 other plaintiffs which included nine children.

"When [the child] is confronted with 'In G-d We Trust' on every coin and currency bill she handles or learns about in school, the power and prestige of the federal government is brought to bear upon her with the message that her father's (and her own) atheism is false," the complaint read.

Pearson ruled that the currency does not hinder the free exercise of religion, and the plaintiffs are free to use other forms of currencies that do not have the motto.

An amicus brief was filed by the First Liberty Institute on behalf of The American Legion, a veterans service organization in the U.S. with over two million members.

Kelly Shackelford, president and CEO Of First Liberty Institute, said that her organization is pleased that the government's ability to display the national motto on the U.S. currency was upheld by the federal court.

"'In God We Trust' is deeply embedded in our nation's history and is a symbol of patriotism," she added.