ACLJ to Represent Kansas County in Defending Use of `In God We Trust'.

Business Editors & Legal Writers

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2000

The American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law firm, announced today that it has been retained by Shawnee County, Kansas to represent the County Treasurer who has been sued by the ACLU for displaying a sign in county offices that bears the nation's motto "In God We Trust."

"This is one of the most important Establishment Clause cases defending the use of a phrase that has been at the heart of our national heritage for decades," said Frank Manion, Senior Regional Counsel of the ACLJ who is representing the County Treasurer. "The use of the motto `In God We Trust' is not only permissible, but constitutional as well. It is clear that the ACLU will do all it can to remove any vestige of religious expression from the marketplace - even if it means banning the motto of the United States of America."

The ACLJ was notified today that the Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners has voted to retain the services of the American Center for Law and Justice to defend the County Treasurer against the lawsuit filed by the ACLU in U.S. District Court in Topeka. The ACLJ provides all of its legal services - including its representation of Shawnee County - free of charge.

"We are honored and privileged to defend Shawnee County in this most important case," said Manion. "We know that all eyes will be on this community in Kansas and we intend to work diligently to defend a proper understanding of the Establishment Clause against unwarranted attacks by the ACLU."

"In God We Trust" appears on U.S. currency and has been the official U.S. motto since 1956.

The American Center for Law and Justice specializes in First Amendment law and focuses on religious liberty issues and the constitutional protection of religious expression. The ACLJ has offices nationwide. The Web site address is www.aclj.org.