Bill > CACR21

This Constitutional Amendment, relating to the oath of civil officers in New Hampshire, proposes to change the default oath required for individuals taking public office from a religious one to a non-religious one. Currently, the oath includes phrases like "So help me God," but this amendment would replace that with "This I do under the pains and penalties of perjury," which is a legal declaration of truthfulness rather than a religious invocation. The amendment also clarifies that individuals who are scrupulous about swearing or have specific religious beliefs can still opt for a religious oath, including "So help me God," if they prefer, but this would no longer be the default. This change aims to make the oath of office more inclusive by not requiring a religious affirmation from the outset for all civil officers.