PRESS RELEASE
July 2, 2002

Contact: Atheists United Office: 323-666-4258;
Bobbie Kirkhart, Co-President: 213-482-5533

Atheists United expressed satisfaction at the 9th Circuit Court Ruling made this week, ruling that the phrase "Under God," inserted in the Pledge of Allegience by lawmakers trying to enlist "God" in the fight against Communism in 1953 has been declared unconstitutional.

"The religious intent always seemed obvious to us," says Bobbie Kirkhart, Co-President of Atheists United. "And the phrase 'Under God' seemed in total opposition to the phrase 'Indivisible' if you wanted to include all Americans. But we were totally surprised that a federal court would actually render a fair interpretation of the matter and not cave in to the pressure from politicians and the public."

Kirkhart added: "Perhaps there is a God!"

In commemoration of the ruling, Atheists United has announced that it will be calling July 4th of this year as "Indivisible Day" to promote the idea that our Indivisibility as a Nation, not whether we're religious or not, is the important part of the pledge that should be emphasized. AU will be offering free baked apple pies with the pre-1953 "One Nation, Indivisible" pledge printed on the boxes on July 4th all day to passers-by from a street table located at 4773 Hollywood Blvd., just west of Vermont Ave. Flyers will also be made available explaining the history of the Pledge of Allegiance and asking legislators to honor the court's ruling. The table will be marked with signs and balloons.

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