The opinion by a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel that the use of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional is, in the words of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, "nuts."

National opposition to the 9th Circuit Court's ruling is bipartisan and virtually unanimous. Hawai'i Republicans strongly support a similar bipartisan effort to change the state House and Senate rules that would begin each session with the Pledge of Allegiance. House and Senate members already start each session with a prayer; adding the pledge would be a daily reminder of what we stand for as a nation.

The U.S. House and Senate already have such a requirement in their rules. The House members have been reciting the pledge since 1988 and the Senate since 1999.

Less than four hours after the court ruling was made public, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution denouncing the decision. Thursday, members of the U.S. House gathered on the front steps of the Capitol to recite the pledge. That is the same place they sang "God Bless America" on the night of Sept. 11. This is clearly a bipartisan issue.

While this issue would become moot if the full 9th Circuit overrules that panel or if the U.S. Supreme Court decides against that ruling, Hawai'i is one of the nine states that are affected by this ruling. Therefore, it is necessary that Hawai'i legislators stand up, be counted and demand the opportunity to recite the pledge before each legislative session.

Sen. Sam Slom
State Senate Republican caucus

Rep. Galen Fox
State House Republican caucus