Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 26, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke’s statement supporting Pledge of Allegiance

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today issued the following statement on the federal appeals court decision in California that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional:

“The Pledge of Allegiance is an important part of our American heritage.

“Current state law allows students to remain silent during the Pledge of Allegiance, if they choose, for whatever reason.

“This voluntary approach respects the richness and diversity of beliefs in our state, so the federal appeals court decision is not necessary.”

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