A bill introduced immediately following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks allowing the national motto to be placed in Michigan’s state buildings seems to have lost the broad-based support it had in the wake of the national tragedy.
The measure, introduced on Sept. 25 by Rep. Stephen Ehardt, R-Lexington, “strongly encourages” each state agency and local unit of government to place the phrase “In God We Trust” in their buildings.
The bill became law with its only “nay” vote from Rep. Chris Kolb, D-Ann Arbor.
“Many people find it very appropriate, but they are definitely not listening to others who worship a different god or gods, or don’t recognize or worship any god,” Kolb said.
“I just wish we would have a larger conversation on diversity in our country and the type of message this sends.”
The phrase, which was Congress made the national motto in 1956, was painted on the first floor of Michigan’s Capitol rotunda last week.
Before the change, the motto was “E Pluribus Unum,” which is Latin for “One from many” or “One from many parts.” The Latin phrase was adopted as the national motto in 1782.
Rep. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, said his vote in support of the legislation is one of the few votes he’s questioned in his legislative career.
“While I do trust in God, I worry that it may be a little bit exclusive,” he said of the public act.
“I’ve done a lot of soul-searching on that one. Is it sending out a message of religious intolerance?”
Although Bernero questions his initial vote, legislation would have to be introduced to overturn the public act. So far, there have been no talks about such reform.
And Rep. Paul DeWeese, R-Williamston, said he has no interest in overturning the law at all because he believes the “god” in the motto isn’t an exclusive one.
“I wouldn’t be in favor of putting in every public building ‘In Jesus We Trust’ or ‘In Allah We Trust,’” he said.
“God is kind of a generic designation of a transcendent being.”
DeWeese isn’t alone in his support of the law.
Rep. John Stewart, R-Plymouth, said the motto is a symbol of America’s religious freedom.
“I support the idea of looking to divine guidance,” he said.
“It’s a good guide. We are all humbled knowing we are under God.”
But some Democrats are wondering if the proximity to the terrorist attacks is the sole reason the bill made it through without much controversy. Bernero said Michigan needs to recognize that it’s a state of many faiths.
“Some people feel that since 9-11, we need to reiterate and underscore our values,” he said.
“I think we need to be inclusive and not exclusive and not draw lines between us.
“If it came up again, I would definitely look at it more closely.”
Rep. Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, said the timeliness helped the legislation.
“It was just one of those things that’s hard to vote against,” she said. “It was someone’s zealous piece of legislation, a reaction to Sept. 11.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
