Precedent could allow for Church of Satan design, too
This might seem like a good idea, but ...
Florida drivers can order more than 100 specialty license plates celebrating everything from manatees to the Miami Heat, but one now under consideration would be the first in the nation to explicitly promote a specific religion.
The Florida Legislature is considering a specialty plate with a design that includes a Christian cross, a stained-glass window and the words "I Believe."
Rep. Edward Bullard, the plate's sponsor, said people who "believe in their college or university" or "believe in their football team" already have license plates they can buy. The new design is a chance for others to put a tag on their cars with "something they believe in," he said.
If the plate is approved, Florida would become the first state to have a license plate featuring a religious symbol that's not part of a college logo. Approval would almost certainly face a court challenge.
This story from the AP is what I like to call religious-controversy in a can. There is an exact formula to reporting these kneejerkers out. Introduce the "major news" (these are CNN standards), followed by a supportive quote about how Christians just want equal rights and then the contrarion view from Americans United, the ACLU or Michael Newdow. My vote's for contestant No. 2:
The problem with the state manufacturing the plate is that it "sends a message that Florida is essentially a Christian state" and, second, gives the "appearance that the state is endorsing a particular religious preference," said Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.
Personally, I think the license plate is completely camp but have no constitutional qualms with it ... if the Florida DMV offers other religious variants. As my colleague pointed out with this satirical plate, I don't think Christians would be too thrilled if Satanists got their own design.
This article was cross-posted, with art, at The God Blog.
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Posted by Brad Greenberg on April 25, 2008 3:57PM
Comments
This is probably not going to be a popular response, but if we as followers of Jesus get our special plates, the State of Florida will have to let other "religions" have theirs, too, even Satanists if they ask. To do otherwise has the state deciding what a "real" and "acceptable" religious faith is, which the First Amendment forbids. Otherwise, we have something close to establishing a "state church," which many fled Europe long ago to avoid.
The Living Truth of the Gospel will survive and overcome eventually, as long as it has a level playing field. That's what we need to pursue vigorously!
Posted by: Graham Smith at April 28, 2008
If those license plates get approved I hope that those who purchase them drive like Christians should!
Posted by: VB at April 28, 2008
Indiana has a "religious" plate which simply says "In God we Trust"
No Satanic plate yet, though ACLU went to the Supreme court Of In. to try to block it's purchase without a special fee as required for other special interest plates. They lost
Nora Newman
Posted by: Nora Newman at April 28, 2008
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