"Under God" doesn't violate atheists' rights, judge rules

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The words 'under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance do not violate the rights of those who don't believe, a Massachusetts judge has ruled.

Middlesex Superior Court Judge Jane Haggerty ruled Monday in the case of an atheist couple from Acton and their children, who said their rights were infringed upon during the reciting of the Pledge during school.

The judge ruled that the exercise does not discriminate against people who are not religious.

The debate over the Pledge continues to elicit strong opinions nationwide, including here in western Massachusetts. Upendra Aemul of Springfield told 22News that he has no problem with the Pledge as it is now.

“It it’s not really hurting anyone, if it’s not something that’s really doing harm, I would say you can’t say it’s bad,” Aemul said.

The Boston Globe reports that Haggerty said that the Pledge also does not violate state law or the school’s anti-discrimination policy.

The attorney for the family says that they will appeal the decision. The plaintiffs’ identities are not being revealed.