2/12/2018 Group Watch: “In God We Trust Bill” Passes
The Alabama House voted to allow the phrase “In God We Trust” on public buildings, but only after debate on the bill went far off track. Black legislators accused a member of twisting history. Speaking for the bill, Rep. Arnold Mooney said the phrase is from the national anthem, and noted Francis Scott Key once argued slaves on a captured ship should return to Africa. Black legislators reminded him that Key once owned slaves and his third stanza is thought to celebrate the deaths of escaped slaves who fought with the British. The bill eventually passed 91-4, and the bill’s sponsor clarified that people can choose to put the phrase on state property.
