Prayer of Allegiance Law Upheld

Appeals Court Upholds Va. Pledge Law

from The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. - The federal appeals court in Richmond today upheld the Virginia law that requires public schools to lead a daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Father of three Edward Myers of Sterling claimed the law is unconstitutional. He says the reference to "one nation under God" in the pledge promotes religion.

Children in Virginia public schools are required by law to recite the pledge each day. Those opposed are allowed to stand or sit quietly. Myers says forcing them to listen still violates their rights.

But a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed, ruling that the pledge is a patriotic exercise, not an affirmation of religion similar to a prayer.