A bill introduced in the Alabama Legislature would allow "In God We Trust" to be placed on any public building in the state.

Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, introduced the measure on April 11. Specifically, it would "authorize the display of the national motto, "In God We Trust" in or on any public building or public school in the state." Any display would have to be approved by a state agency, a municipality, county or school board.

Dial has introduced similar measures in the past, along with other legislation that would authorize the display of the Ten Commandments at public buildings and schools.

According to In God We Trust America, an group that advocates for the display of the national motto, four Alabama counties - Baldwin, Covington, Dale and Mobile - have passed measures to allow for the display of "In God We Trust." Thirteen cities, including Foley, Gulf Shores, Hoover, Mobile and Orange Beach, passed similar measures.

Congress established "In God We Trust," as the national motto in 1956 amid the height of the Cold War with communist Russia, an atheistic country. The phrase had appeared on U.S. currency since 1909.

The motto has been challenged by at least three lawsuits, including one filed in 1979 by atheist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair. In each case, the court found in favor of those supporting the motto, saying it does not endorse a specific religion.

The U.S. Supreme Court - which has the phrase displayed in its building - has declined to review the rulings.