Chambers Wants to "Eliminate God"

Bill Would Change the Oath of Office Taken by Elected Officials

By Rebekah Rae

CREATED Mar. 2, 2013

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  • A state senator wants to rid the phrase, "So help me God" from the oath of office Video by kmtv.com

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Omaha, NE - The state senator from Omaha who filed a lawsuit against God, is going after religion again.

Senator Ernie Chambers wants to get rid of the phrase "So help me God" from the oath of office administered to elected officials and jurors.   The senator also wants those who are taking the oath to have the option of affirming instead of swearing to perform their duties.

Omahans wonder if Chambers is just challenging the separation between church and state.  "I think God is what our country was founded on so I'm against the removal of the phrase," says Tom Dunbar. Dunbar admits there should be a separation between religion and politics but doesn't find the removal of the phrase necessary.  His wife, Laurie, agrees with him, "I'm disappointed because I don't think there is a point to this."  
 
Reggie Mayhue supports Chambers bill. He says the point is that God has no role in the state capitol. "I don't think that God has anything to do with the oath of office", says Mayhue.
 
Those on both sides of LB 603 feel strongly about their beliefs, but when it comes to the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief has an option.  The phrase, "So help me God" is not legally or constitutionally required when our presidents take their oaths of office.  Still, many federal oaths include the phrase.