The State House has approved making the phrase “So help me, God” an option, instead of a requirement, in the oaths of office for the Marietta mayor and City Council members.
The city charter change passed the House 157-1 on March 16 with State Rep. Bruce Williamson, R-Monroe, as the only dissenter.
Also, 13 state representatives did not vote and nine had excused absences.
On Monday, the bill was read and referred to committee in the State Senate.
The Marietta City Council voted 7-0 recently to omit the “So help me, God” phrase from the oath and instead allow it as an option, but the State Legislature and Gov. Deal need to approve the change since it would change the city charter.
A part of House Bill 577 that was introduced March 13, the change in the oath states: “At the discretion of any individual councilmember, a councilmember may have the words ‘So Help Me God’ added to that member’s individual oath of office.”
The four-page bill also revises provisions for the mayor pro tem and presiding officer, organizational meetings and the board of lights and waterworks.
Information: legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20172018/HB/577.
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