No place for religion

Monday, April 28, 2008 | 2:05 a.m.

Florida lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow creation of a specialty license plate that is emblazoned with a Christian cross and the words “I Believe.”

Florida motorists currently can choose from among more than 100 specialty plate designs that promote everything from manatees, dolphins, trees and the Florida Everglades to the state’s universities and sports teams.

Many states have similar plates, which typically raise money for the causes or groups they support.

But the measure now pending before the Florida Legislature would make that state the first in the nation to have a license plate design that uses a stand-alone religious symbol and that clearly promotes religion, the Associated Press reports.

It’s controversial, but that’s not a first for Florida, where lawmakers approved creation of a “Choose Life” plate in 1999.

Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, told the AP that the “I Believe” plate “sends a message that Florida is essentially a Christian state” and makes it appear “that the state is endorsing a particular religious preference.”

States that offer drivers specialty plates or the option of choosing which seven or eight characters will become their license plate number typically draw the line at messages that are deemed overtly political, religious or otherwise could provoke aggressive behavior on the roadways.

Florida’s proposed “I Believe” plate steps over that line.

Florida Rep. Edward Bullard, the Republican sponsor of the legislation, said he sees the plate as a way for motorists to tag their cars with “something they believe in.”

However, Bullard told the AP he would not support an “I Don’t Believe” design for people who are atheists. Apparently, Bullard supports the rights only of those who share his beliefs.

The documentation the government issues for the purpose of identifying a motor vehicle as being legally registered should not be used to promote any religious or political belief system. Period. Motorists who want to profess their faiths with their cars can do it with a bumper sticker.