Suit would delete' God' from Texas pledge

DALLAS, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- A federal judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction to bar recitation in public schools of a new version of the Texas pledge that refers to God.

An atheist couple in Dallas has filed a lawsuit challenging the new version of the pledge, which was adopted this year by Texas lawmakers, The Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday.

The new version reads: "Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible."

No date has been set yet to hear the suit filed by David and Shannon Croft. U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade Tuesday denied the Crofts' request to stop the use of the pledge before the trial.

When the Croft children started school this week, teachers allowed them to step outside the classroom while the U.S. and state pledges of allegiance were recited and other students observed a moment of silence.

The couple's lawyer, Dean Cook, said the move was like sending the children to a "temporary jail," the newspaper said.

The Crofts have also sued the state over the minute of silence, which state law says provides children the option to "reflect, pray, meditate or engage in any other silent activity."