An Atheist Denial: God Still Part of Inauguration

Judge says no to lawsuit

God will still be a part of the presidential oath of office.

A U.S. District judge on Thursday rejected an atheist's lawsuit that would have eliminated the phrase "so help me God" from President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony, according to the Washington Examiner.

Atheist Michael Newdow filed similar lawsuits in 2001 and 2005, but neither went to trial.

Newdow, of Sacramento, Calif., said he wanted to take the phrase "so help me God" out of the oath of office and cut the invocation prayer because any references to God or religion violate the Constitution.

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