[Chris O'Carroll]

Originally Posted by Charlie Southerland

I am proud that men and women still have to place their hand on a Bible to swear to uphold the Constitution, regardless of whether I agree or disagree with their decisions.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. -- U.S. Constitution, Article VI

As we can see, the truth is that men and women who become Justices of the Supreme Court have to swear or affirm that they will uphold the Constitution, but there is absolutely no requirement that they touch a Bible or any other scripture while doing so. It may be customary to use a Bible in swearing-in ceremonies, but any such requirement would be an unconstitutional violation of Article Six, and also of the First Amendment's non-establishment clause.