Allow God in flag certificates

U.S. Rep. Dave Camp is among lawmakers objecting because the U.S. Capitol's architect won't allow God to be mentioned in certificates of authenticity accompanying flags flown over the Capitol and bought by constitutents.

"This is as insulting as it is absurd," Camp said in a prepared statement. "The architect has gone way too far. If we can put 'in God we trust' on our money, then we can certainly put it on a flag certificate when a citizen wants it there."

Camp and dozens of other lawmakers are sending a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi calling for "an immediate review of the authority under which the architect is making these rules, as well as the reversal of this policy which censors our citizens' right to expressions of their faith."

A 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Ohio reportedly was denied the request to have a certificate read, "This flag was flown in honor of Marcel Larochelle, my grandfather, for his dedication and love of God, country and family."

"I can't believe the U.S. House of Representatives can pass a resolution recognizing the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, which we did this week, but can't send out certificates with the word 'God' on them," Camp said. "It doesn't make any sense. The policy needs to be changed."

The controversy over certificate wording has arisen several times in past years, with the architect's office saying religious and political messages should not be permitted, House leadership aides said.

One proposed compromise was to put out a uniform certificate of authenticity while allowing members to add messages they choose, but some lawmakers objected to that approach, the aides said.

U.S. Rep. Dave Camp is a Republican representing Michigan. Though he's not a Democrat, I support his objection to this issue. I am so tired of God being taken out of our lives while political correctness is recognizing Ramadan and other holidays.