Religious Liscense Plates Spark Problems in SC

E_Pluribus_Venom · #1 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 11:43 PM

Group Files Suit Over 'I Believe' Plates in SC
Group files lawsuit to prevent South Carolina from creating 'I Believe' license plates
By SEANNA ADCOX Associated Press Writer
COLUMBIA, S.C. June 19, 2008 (AP) The Associated Press

Quote:

A group that advocates separation of church and state filed a federal lawsuit Thursday to prevent South Carolina from becoming the first state to create "I Believe" license plates.

Washington-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed the lawsuit on behalf of two Christian pastors, a humanist pastor and a rabbi in South Carolina, along with the Hindu American Foundation.

"I do believe these 'I Believe' plates will not see the light of day because the courts, I'm confident, will see through this," said the Rev. Barry Lynn, the group's executive director.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for South Carolina, asks a judge to stop the state from making the plates and rule that the law allowing them violates the First Amendment.

The bill sailed through the Legislature with little discussion earlier this year. Gov. Mark Sanford let it become law without his signature because the state already allows private groups to create license plates for any cause.

Republican House Speaker Bobby Harrell said residents asked for a way to express their beliefs, and legislators responded.

He disputed Lynn's accusation that they were pandering to constituents in an election year.

"That's what critics always say when they see something they don't like," Harrell said. "I think this has less to do with the First Amendment and more to do with their disdain for religion generally."

Lynn said his group would not have opposed the "I Believe" plates had they been advocated by private groups. State law allows private groups to create specialty plates as long as they first collect either a $4,000 deposit or 400 prepaid orders.

Makedde · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 11:46 PM

If we allow these license plates, we must allow other license plates, and where will it end? These people could make themselves targets of religious hatred, too.

catzmeow · #3 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 04:44 AM

Why do we care, again? If they want to have them, let them.

submarinepainter · #4 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catzmeow

Why do we care, again? If they want to have them, let them.

exactly! also in Maine we pay for our plates

Tuesday · #5 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catzmeow

Why do we care, again? If they want to have them, let them.

Indeed, what do we care.

I want the Religion is Bollocks plate before Zeebub gets it!

This would probably add to my road rage though. If I see a plate with Mormon on Board - well, there's no telling what I might do.

submarinepainter · #6 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makedde

If we allow these license plates, we must allow other license plates, and where will it end? These people could make themselves targets of religious hatred, too.

we?, you live in ?

The Jovial One · #7 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 05:00 AM

SCOTUS will shoot it down. It's harmless, of course, but in clear violation of the intent of the establishment clause.

Wanna wear God on your sleeve? Want the other drivers in rush hour to know what a pious, RIGHTEOUS Christian you are? Get a bumper sticker.

Now... if the state decides to offer Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Wiccan and Druid license plates... do you think the same people who are crying for these things will object?

Of course they will.

Tuesday · #8 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Jovial One

SCOTUS will shoot it down. It's harmless, of course, but in clear violation of the intent of the establishment clause.

Wanna wear God on your sleeve? Want the other drivers in rush hour to know what a pious, RIGHTEOUS Christian you are? Get a bumper sticker.

Now... if the state decides to offer Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Wiccan and Druid license plates... do you think the same people who are crying for these things will object?

Of course they will.

How is a bumper sticker or an I Love NY tee-shirt different from two words on the bottom of a license plate? How about my I Love Uncle Sam tattoo on my forehead?

Sorry, but what's a SCOTUS? Not a body part, I hope?

Yours faithfully
Ignorant Foreigner

The Jovial One · #9 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuesday

How is a bumper sticker or an I Love NY tee-shirt different from two words on the bottom of a license plate? How about my I Love Uncle Sam tattoo on my forehead?

Sorry, but what's a SCOTUS? Not a body part, I hope?

Yours faithfully
Ignorant Foreigner

No prob... Supreme Court of the United States. I forget sometimes that you "outlanders" are here.

And it's different, because it resembles state sponsorship of a religion, which the Constitution prohibits.

Lackluster · #10 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 05:26 AM

I want my agnostic plate!

Of course, the typeface would have to be a little bit smaller where it says "I'm not sure if I believe or not".

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