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A California atheist filed suit in federal court in Cleveland to challenge the use of the phrase "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency.

(Laura Johnston/cleveland.com)

Michael Newdow

AKRON, Ohio -- A California atheist best known for challenging the government's sanctioned use of the word "God" has filed a suit that says having "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency violates the separation of church and state.

The 112-page lawsuit, filed Monday by Sacramento doctor and lawyer Michael Newdow in federal court in Akron, contends that having the phrase on paper money and coins violates the constitutional rights of those who do not believe in an almighty being.

The word "God" is used hundreds of times in the lawsuit, but each reference, save for those in the titles for publications, is styled as "G-d."

"The 'In G-d We Trust' phrase has continued to be a tool used to perpetuate favoritism for (Christian) Monotheism," the suit states. "It has also continued to perpetuate anti-Atheistic bias."

The lawsuit lists 41 plaintiffs, including many unnamed parents and children who either are atheists or are being raised as atheists. Some are from Ohio, while others are from Michigan. The Northern Ohio Freethought Society of Cleveland is part of the lawsuit.

Congress is named as a plaintiff as is Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, Mint Deputy Director Rhett Jepsen, and Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Larry Felix. The lawsuit says having "In God We Trust" violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.

Newdow has made a name for himself in the past as an outspoken atheist. He has sued the government at least twice before about the use of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, with courts ruling against him both times.

He also previously filed suit in California over U.S. currency. A federal appeals court ruled against him in 2010.

Newdow did not immediately respond to an email sent Monday evening.

A judge has not been assigned to the case filed in Ohio.