MA Judge Rules That "Under God" In Pledge Doesn't Violate Church/State

A Massachusetts court has ruled against an atheist couple who sued after their public school children were present during the "under God" portion of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Middlesex Superior Court Judge Jane Haggerty also ruled there was no violation of state law or the school's anti-discrimination policy. The judge ruled that including "under God" in a voluntary patriotic exercise doesn't "convert the exercise into a prayer." She said the case presented a "familiar dilemma" of balancing conflicting interests in a pluralistic society. School Superintendent Stephen Mills said officials are pleased with the decision and continue to work for "a positive and accepting educational environment" for all students.

The plaintiffs plan to appeal.