AP: A federal appeals court has rejected a Dallas area parent’s challenge to the Texas pledge of allegiance over the words “under God.” Attorney General Greg Abbott says Wednesday’s ruling is a victory for the constitutionally protected rights and freedoms of all Texans. The words “under God” were added to the pledge in 2007. U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade in 2009 ruled that the state pledge may continue to reference God because the national pledge and several other states reference God or divine grace in their pledges. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday agreed. David Croft had sued, alleging violation of separation of church and state. His three children were in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District.

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