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June 9, 2008
Posted: 04:18 PM ET
NEW YORK — The issue of religious freedom has played a major role in the history of the United States since Europeans came to this country to escape religious oppression. Hundreds of years later, the role of religion in our democracy and the argument concerning the separation of church and state, rages on. The stage is set for an epic legal battle now in South Carolina as it becomes the first state in the nation to offer license plates that carry the phrase “I Believe” with a Christian cross over a stained-glass window. The bill instituting the plate was passed by the state’s House and Senate and the Motor Vehicles Department is expected to charge people an additional $5 to help reimburse the state for the cost of production. No organization will sponsor the plate or benefit from its sale. South Carolina already offers 200 other specialty plates, supporting organizations linked to everything from wild turkeys and Boy Scouts to the Elks Lodge and NASCAR drivers. Why the fuss? Proponents argue that drivers should be able to declare their religious beliefs on a tag and no one is being forced to screw it on to their bumper. Isn’t this a matter of freedom of speech for residents of the state, many which happen to be evangelical Christians? No it’s not, according to Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. The organization maintains that “If the legislature passes a bill giving exclusive access to Christians, it could be mistaken for government speech and would constitute an impermissible endorsement of religion.” Opponents claim the government must never favor one religion over others. A nearly identical proposal to create “I Believe” plates in Florida died after lawmakers found themselves divided over the issue. Despite the differences of opinion with divergent religious communities on incendiary issues like abortion, prayer in school and even license plates, we must place our faith in the courts to interpret the Constitution fairly. Let’s hope common sense rules the day. –Bob Regan, In Session senior executive producer Filed under: Bob Regan • Church and state |
 
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