Why did 15 Philly legislators back In God We Trust bill?
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
"In God We Trust" is now permitted to be posted in school buildings.
Michelangelo Buonarroti , Separation of the Earth from the Waters
Perhaps the answer to Pennsylania schools' prayers is more prayers.
Fifteen Philly legislators joined with an overwhelming state House majority to pass a bill that "allows" school districts to post "In God We Trust" in school buildings.
HB 1728 was originally worded to require schools to display the motto. The amended version that passed made it optional, and also instructed schools that they should feel free to post the Bill of Rights.
The legislation comes at a time when Philadelphia schools and districts across Pennsylvania are suffering severe fiscal crises in the wake of state budget cuts. It is unclear how schoolchildren's prayers to the Almighty might impact the upcoming budget debate in Harrisburg.
Regardless, ACLU Pennsylvania legislative director Andy Hoover told the Inquirer that the bill is hardly a free pass to blur the line between church and state.
"A blessing from the state House doesn't make it constitutional," he told the paper. "Schools that post it will certainly face First Amendment challenges."
Rep. Michael H. O'Brien (D-Philadelphia) called the vote a "slow and steady step toward theocracy." The legislature has walked upon deep theological waters before, setting off protests when it proclaimed 2012 "The Year of the Bible." A federal judge criticized that bill but dismissed a lawsuit brought against lawmakers, finding that such resolutions were protected by legislative immunity.
Both bills were sponsored by Allegheny County Republican Rick Saccone.
The following 12 Philadelphia legislators voted against the bill, representing half of all "no" votes: Brian K. Sims, Cherelle L. Parker, Dwight Evans, James R. Roebuck, Jr., Jordan Harris Michael H. O'Brien, Michelle Brownlee, Pamela A. DeLissio, Ronald G. Waters, Stephen Kinsey, Steve McCarter and W. Curtis Thomas.
The 15 Philly representatives who voted for the bill were: Congressman-elect Brendan F. Boyle, City Councilman-elect Ed Neilson, Angel Cruz, J. P. Miranda, James W. Clay, Jr., John Sabatina, John Taylor, Kevin J. Boyle, Louise W. Bishop, Maria P. Donatucci, Mark B. Cohen, Michael P. McGeehan, Rosita C. Youngblood, Thomas Murt and William F. Keller.
Vanessa L. Brown did not vote.
Another notable "yes" vote from the area: Delaware County Democratic state Rep. Margo L. Davidson, who narrowly survived a primary challenge from the party's left flank last month.
If you'd like to contact your legislators about their votes, you can find out how to do so here.
