ANAHEIM – The City Council tonight will consider spending $590 to $1,350 to install the “In God We Trust” motto in Council Chambers.

Councilwoman Gail Eastman requested that the phrase be included in Council Chambers, where all council and Planning Commission meetings are held.

The phrase is the U.S. national motto since 1956 and was reaffirmed in 2011 by Congress, which encouraged it to be displayed in public schools and government buildings.

Including “In God We Trust” in public buildings has angered some critics and atheists who say it is a violation of the separation of church and state. Others have supported using the original U.S. Motto, “e pluribus unum,” Latin for “out of many, one.”

But the motto has been widely accepted in Orange County, where 16 cities have already posted the phrase in chambers, from San Clemente to Buena Park. At least 92 California cities have included the motto and 281 counties and cities nationwide, according to Anaheim staff members who researched the issue.

The council also will consider where to the place the letters and how large, which would determine the final cost. Potential locations include over the city seal (behind the five council members) and in television-camera range, on the glass door leading to Council Chambers or in the hallway outside, above photos of the council members.

The council will discuss the issue at its 5 p.m. meeting at 201 S. Anaheim Blvd.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3769 or ecarpenter@ocregister.com