In news closer to home regarding at the very least, discrimination towards Christians, we have a story that has been reported in the BBC, The Wall Street Journal Blog  and the New York Times saying that a judge in South Carolina has deemed a license plate with the words "I believe" and a cross and stained glass window are "unconstitutional".

The case was brought to court by the organization Americans United for the Separation of Church and state, who argued it was unconstitutional.  While those who supported the plate argued that it was free speech.

What do you think?  Should this license plate be banned?  Comments are open.

Comments

[Perpetua]

As I watched the Memorial Service yesterday for those slain at Ft. Hood, I was surprised that a few verses of Amazing Grace were sung. It had "when I first believed" and referred to "Lord". If this license plate is a problem then why was Amazing Grace permitted.

[dean]

so...where does the money go? when a person decides to get the custom themed plates, my understanding is that they usually pay an additional fee, that often goes to various places...

so...

where does the money go?

[Joel]

There is already precedent in many other states allowing an optional, pay for license plate that is religious in nature. Time to call ADF and get this plate back on vehicles!

[Serry]

No, the license plate "I Believe" should certainly not be banned. In the first place, it expresses an individual citizen's belief, not the government's, and is not at all an act of the government to impose a particular belief on the country; it only allows citizens to choose a way, at their own choice (not at government's choice) to express themselves. In the second place, the doctrine of separation of church and state was not intended to forbid the expression or practice of religion--especially not of the Christian faith--but rather to prevent one Christian sect from attaining political preference over another. The founding of this country was firmly in favor of eduction and of cultivating the Christian virtues that make for strong character and self-government.

[Stacy Harp]

Wow, thank you all for your comments. :)

[Dan]

It should be unconstitutional to BAN it! Banning it violates free speech.

I would hesitate to call it 'persecution' though, based on the very real persecution taking place across the globe.

[Stacy Harp]

Yup, that's why I called it discrimination.