BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem is opposing a federal lawsuit that seeks to block Chief Justice John Roberts from saying "So help me God" when he swears in Barack Obama as president.

In their lawsuit, a group of atheists argue that the chief justice would be endorsing religion by uttering the phrase. They contend that if Obama says "So help me God" at the end of the oath, he should do so without prompting from Roberts.

All 50 attorneys general have filed a brief in the case, asking that the lawsuit be dismissed. Stenehjem said Thursday that the use of the phrase in oaths of office dates back to the founding of the nation.

North Dakota's Constitution includes the words "So help me God" in its oath for state legislators and judges.