It all started in South Carolina where a group of advocates, who fight for seperation of church and state, filed a federal law suit. The plates, which are shown on the left, contain a stained glass window with a cross in front that states, "I Believe." A diverse group of people who were behalf in the suit were two Christian pastors, a humanist pastor and a rabbi in South Carolina, along with the Hindu American Foundation. The bill states that it goes against the First Amendment. While quickly passing the Legislature, there was no need for a signature by Gov. Mark Sanford because the license plate creators are owned by a private group owned by the state.
Where this idea came from? The idea of "I Believe" started in Florida where it failed. Rev. Robert Knight of Charleston says, "As an evangelical Christian, I don't think civil religion enhances the Christian religion. It compromises it," Knight said. "That's the fundamental irony. It's very shallow from a Christian standpoint." I think that this discriminates on all religions. License plates represent the state your from and should include all religions if the plate is passed. I agree with this blog that I found, the license plates are unconstitutional. It ruins people's freedom of speech, and makes them look like they follow the Christian faith. Even though there are so many different religons in the world it's ashame we can't show them all.
6 comments:
What's the difference between having the letters of your license plate represnt something involving your religion, and having this plate as your license plate? Both represent your religious opinions publicly. I think it should be legal for people to express their religions as long as they're not trying to influence other's opinions and it doesn't take place in the government or work place.
I think that even though not everyone believes in religion, those who do have beliefs should be able to express it. Everyone should be able to express all their values and ideas.
I don't think there is a difference if there is a small cross with a window on a license plate. Honestly, who is going to care if they see that in South Carolina? Also, the "I Believe" phrase does not effect anyone's religion in any way. We all believe something in different ways and in different religions. And finally, there are crosses and religious symbols constantly in our lives. For example, various phrases in our national anthem and pledge of allegiance are present, so I don't see what the big deal is about a little cross on a license plate.
Although I do not support the discrimination of religion, I believe that these licence plates should not be allowed on cars. These violate the first amendment because the line is crossed between the separation of church and state. By going against the constitution, we are going against the nation our forefathers struggled so hard to set up.
Why does it matter what license plate you have? First of all why would people care what other people have on their car? That is dumb. Let people have what they want. Also, for the people with these plates. Why is it so crucial that they have these plates? You never even get to see it because you'll be driving your car. Get real people. Take whatever plate the government gives you, its free!
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