Saturday, November 21, 2009

Nation

License Plate Controversy: 2Xtian4aPl8?

A constitutional showdown in South Carolina over the wall between church and state

Posted May 16, 2008

Christian-themed license plates are inching closer to becoming legal in South Carolina, setting up a new constitutional showdown over freedom of expression and the wall between church and state. The proposed plate would carry the words "I believe" in front of an image of the cross.

The popularity of personalized and thematic plates is exploding nationwide, as Stefan Lonce outlines in his upcoming book LCNS2ROM—License to Roam: Vanity License Plates and the GR8 Stories They Tell.

But it's also proving to be a legal nightmare, as political forces battle over what is acceptable. A DMV administrator in South Dakota recently testified before the state legislature on behalf of banning personalized plates altogether, saying it makes the state vulnerable to First Amendment lawsuits. After all, what is perfectly reasonable to one person may be offensive to another.

South Dakota lawmakers dismissed her concerns. But in South Carolina, a number of questions will have to be answered to move these controversial plates forward. And if the law passes, it's likely the courts will have the final say.

—Bret Schulte

Reader Comments

Not Vanity Plates

These plates have 'I Believe' embossed as a motto or slogan on the plate. Unlike a vanity or specialty plate, a change where a motto is imprinted on the plate requires approval of the state legislature. With over 90% of their constituents being Christian, I don't believe the legislature will approve a similar plate with a Muslim sickle or a Wiccan pentagram. It puts SC in the position of determining which religions they'll allow to have the plate, which is pretty much putting them in the position of determining what religions are 'valid'. As a resident of SC somewhat familiar with our state legislators, I predict it will be a cold day in hell before anyone but a Jew or Christian gets an 'I Believe' license plate with their own religion's symbol on it in place of the cross.

i believe

Good God--Iraq in turmoil, one out of five people on earth living below the poverty line and now we've got personalized Jesus plates??!!! lol

All joking aside, as long as these personalized license plates are just that--personalized--I don't have a problem. It's not offensive to me--just not my taste. You don't need a bumper sticker to be a practicing Christian, but if it helps you as a daily reminder, go ahead.

Freedom of speech is not free

I believe the personalized plates entitled americans to their first ammendment.

Add your thoughts

Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

advertisement

Crossword Puzzle

Do You Like Crosswords?

We've added a new feature to our weekly digital magazine: an exclusive crossword puzzle!

advertisement

Barack Obama

Obama's Inner Circle

Get to know close advisers, cabinet officials, and more.

Your Photos

President Barack Obama speaks about combat troop level reductions in Iraq as he addresses military personnel at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Obama in Your Town

Has the president visited your town? Send your photos to obamaphotos@usnews.com, and we'll post our favorites online.

Courtesy Greg Meinert

Thousands cheer as Obama becomes the 44th president.

Your Inauguration Photos

Thanks for sending us such great shots from this historic event.


A baby kissing an Obama poster for Washington Whispers.

Your Campaign Photos

We asked to see your personal election pictures and you delivered.

Public Poll

Do you fear losing your job in this market?

View Results

Washington Whispers

Washington Whispers

Pumpkin Dies, but Pecan Still Gobbles

Pumpkin, the Thanksgiving turkey pardoned by Bush, died, but the alternate is alive and pecking.

advertisement

Put U.S. News on Your Site

Keep up with the latest headlines by adding our news widget to your website.
Get this widget ยป


Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
Make USNews.com your home page.