{Louisville, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge to a ruling that allows a reference to "Almighty God" in the state homeland security law. The suit was filed in 2008 by several residents who were represented by the group American Atheists, claiming that the law was a violation of constitutional bans on state-sponsored religion. Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate ruled in the group's favor in 2009, saying that the phrase violates the U.S. and Kentucky constitutions, but a 2-1 opinion by the appellate court reversed his ruling. In a 2-1 decision, the appeals court said the reference is made to a generic God and doesn't seek to prefer one belief over another. Edwin Kagin, the national legal director for American Atheists, says the order was a disappointment, and he will discuss with his clients whether to drop the case or appeal it.
