Bill Nelson: “A Federal appeals court found the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional on Wednesday, saying it was illegal to ask…”

“A Federal appeals court found the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional on Wednesday, saying it was illegal to ask U.S. schoolchildren to vow fealty to one Nation under God. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco overturned a 1954 act of Congress that added 'under God' to the pledge, saying the words violated the basic constitutional tenet of separation of church and state. It is with a heavy heart that I would have to take the floor--I imagine I am just the first of many--to call to the attention of the Senate, and indeed to call to the attention of the courts, that I think there is substantial legal justification. There is a huge difference between separation of church and state--which we all support--and the separation of the state and of God. There is a huge difference. The opening ceremony of the U.S. Senate each morning that we go into session is a very solemn occasion.”