Oklahoma House Backs “In God We Trust” Legislation
The national motto “In God We Trust.” could soon be displayed in all of Oklahoma’s 342 state buildings except schools.
The state House voted 76-20 on Tuesday in favor of the bill, sending it to the Senate. It’s estimated the displays would cost $85,000.
The bill has been met with a lot of push back from democrats who say the bill is an affront to the separation of church and state that could alienate nonreligious people. Rep. Collin Walke, D-Oklahoma City, suggested that the bill is an election year stunt.
But the bill’s Republican sponsor, House Speaker Charles McCall, said it wasn’t intended to be a religious issue, but rather to honor the nation’s history.
“It means something different to everybody, but it is our nation’s motto,” he said. “It’s on our currency, it’s on buildings throughout this country, and I think it’s a good thing to embrace the positive things about our country’s history.”
Critics also argue that the estimated price tag is way too low because the bill specifies that the motto’s size and placement in each building match the one in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.