Introduction of "Pledge and Prayer Amendment" Expected

The Hill reported yesterday that Oklahoma Representative Ernest Istook plans to introduce a Constitutional amendment to permit religious expression in public schools and on public property. It is expected that he will propose the measure soon after the US Supreme Court decides its pending Ten Commandments cases. Istook's Pledge and Prayer Amendment "would allow the display of the Ten Commandments and other historical religious documents on public property", "allow greater freedom for students who wish to pray" and "allow students to recite the entire Pledge of Allegiance" — including the line "one nation, under God". The proposal already has 45 co-sponsors and Istook is looking for more through a "Dear Colleague" letter he is circulating. Istook has introduced similar amendments in the past.