Christian License Plates: Separation of Church and State?

There is evidently a great debate going on in Florida over whether to allow the production of a “Christian License Plate.” The state of Florida has a ton of different specialty plates, everything from professional sports teams, to NASCAR and anti-abortion. However, the introduction of a Christian plate has raised the ire of many, including the Florida ACLU.

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.

I’m just curious, but how does manufacturing this plate indicate that “Florida is essentially a Christian state”? Or how does it give the “appearance that the state is endorsing a particular religious preference”? This is simply a matter of supply and demand for the state. If there are enough people who are willing to pay for the specialty plate, then it is worth producing. If there weren’t enough interest in the product, the state wouldn’t be even discussing the possibility of producing the plates.

One lawmaker, Rep Kelly Skidmore, a proclaimed Catholic, opposed the production of the plate:

“It’s not a road I want to go down. I don’t want to see the Star of David next. I don’t want to see a Torah next. None of that stuff is appropriate to me,” said Skidmore, a Democrat who voted against the plate in committee. “I just believe that.”

This seems to get at the heart of the matter for some. They believe that to allow this plate would mean that they would have to allow plates for other religions, or organizations (some have suggested even the KKK). But this is simply not the case! There would have to first be the overwhelming support of such a plate, a demand for the product. There is obviously going to be such a demand for this license plate. If there is a demand for other religious plates, then they too can be produced. Those who are trying to equate a KKK plate with a Christian plate are simply trying to prejudice their audience. How do you compare a hate filled, borderline terrorist organization with an established, accepted religious group?

This issue is not about state sponsorship of a religion, but rather th choice of the individual to put something they believe in on their cars. The only reason that the state is involved is because of good capitalism, and the state wants to make some money. The state of Florida does not sponsor NASCAR or anti-abortion groups just because they produce the license plates. They would not be supporting Christianity by producing a Christian plate.

This is another instance of Liberalism reaching too far. The idea that there is supposed to be a complete “separation of church and state” has been taken way too far. That mythical clause in the constitution is the basis of most of this type of wrangling among our politicians. How can it possibly hurt anyone for another to have a cross on their license plate?

Now, lest I leave the wrong impression, if I lived in Florida, I would not buy this plate. My point is that to argue against it on the basis set forth is ludicrous! Supply and demand, folks, supply and demand. If the state can make money off this, more power to them.

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