Atheists sue over inaugural plans
A group of atheists, led by a California man known for challenging the use of the words “under God” in recitals of the Pledge of Allegiance at public schools, filed a lawsuit to bar prayer and references to God at the swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama.
Michael Newdow, 17 other people and 10 groups representing atheists sued Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., several officials in charge of inaugural festivities, the Rev. Joseph Lowery and Orange County megachurch pastor Rick Warren.
Roberts will administer the oath of office to Obama at the Jan. 20 ceremony. Warren and Lowery are scheduled to deliver the invocation and benediction, respectively.
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