HARRISBURG, — The Pennsylvania House voted overwhelmingly Monday to authorize schools to post “In God We Trust” and the Bill of Rights in the buildings, although the sponsor said schools already had that power.

The legislation, approved 172-24, previously had been watered down from a version that mandated the national motto be posted.

“School districts are free to put it up right now, but many of them are afraid to,” based on concerns about being confrontational or prompting litigation, said the prime sponsor, Rep. Rick Saccone, R-Allegheny.

The National Motto Display Act credits a 19th century Pennsylvania governor, James Pollock, with suggesting the phrase be added to currency. Congress and President Dwight Eisenhower made it the national motto nearly 60 years ago.

Rep. Mike O’Brien of Philadelphia, who voted against the bill, said he did not believe God needed the legislature’s help. “Our role is not to create a theocracy, but to create a commonwealth that represents all people of all beliefs,” he said.