ANAHEIM – The City Council Chambers will soon include the phrase "In God We Trust" over the city seal, behind the council dais.
The council voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $600 to $850 to install the motto in four-inch black or brushed-gold letters.
It is a matter of patriotism," said Councilwoman Gail Eastman, who
suggested the addition. "It is on our currency ... It's part of what
America means to us."
The phrase is the U.S. national motto since 1956 and was reaffirmed
in 2011 by Congress, which encouraged that the phrase be displayed in
public schools and government buildings.
One resident, who said he is an atheist, spoke against the plan,
saying it would make him feel excluded from city government. He
suggested that the city include the former U.S. motto, "e pluribis
unum," Latin for "out of one many, one."
The movement to add the motto nationwide has angered some atheists
and activists nationally who say it violates the principle calling for
separation of church and state.
But the "In God We Trust" motto has been widely accepted in Orange
County, where 16 cities have already posted the phrase in chambers, from
San Clemente to Buena Park. At least 92 California cities have included
the motto and 281 counties and cities nationwide, according to Anaheim
staffers who researched the issue.
The Anaheim council considered several locations and letter-sizes for
the motto, including on the door to the chambers and in the hallway,
but decided on the most prominent location, which is also seen on the
television broadcast. Other options would have cost as much as $1,350.
The motto should be added within the next month, city officials said.
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