Arizona lawmakers propose bills to require students to take oaths under God

Students in Arizona will be required to express love of country under God if bills introduced by two lawmakers are passed, reports Huffington Post.

Republican state representative Bob Thorpe’s proposal would require all high school seniors to “support and defend” the U.S. Constitution under oath.

Republican state representative Steve Smith’s proposal would require all 1^st to 12^th graders in public school to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Currently the bill does not exempt atheist students or students of other faiths.

Some believe that forcing a religious declaration to graduate from high school violates the Constitution.

Thorpe believes that reciting the Constitutional oath will inspire students to learn more about the history of the United States.

Arizona public schools have to reserve time every day to recite the pledge but students can choose not to participate.

Critics argue that if the bills are passed, many lawsuits will follow.

STORY WRITTEN BY: AISHA SAMU