South Carolina’s state legislature has approved placing the image of a cross on auto license tags in that state. My initial reaction to that decision was negative. I saw it as a violation of the First Amendment that entangled institutions of religion and government in an unconstitutional manner. Securing more information on the matter required me to take a second look at the policy.
Government has no business using its power or money in a manner that singles out one religion over another and suggests the government’s endorsement of that religion. However, the South Carolina legislature already has waded into this constitutional brier patch, having already approved a special license plate for Secular Humanists. I have learned that the state of South Carolina is neither spending public money to produce the “I Believe” license plates nor making any profit off their production. Purchasers of the auto tags are paying the exact cost involved in producing the tags.
But there still might be a religious liberty problem here.
Though Christians and Humanists have received a vote of confidence from the Legislature, no assurance exists that, in the future, other faith traditions will receive fair treatment. Imagine the debate over a Muslim license plate. When a government body makes political judgments about different religious traditions, the sanctity of religion is undermined.
This particular piece of legislation in this specific state seems to walk carefully a tightrope of legality. But serious questions remain as to why any branch of any government wants to use license plates to publicize religious beliefs.
Does not the government have other work to do that is more important in and appropriate to its functions? Given the mortgage crisis, an economy teetering on the edge of inflation, joblessness, the status of public education, it boggles the mind that any legislature would debate crosses on a license plate.
As a minister, I have to question the benefit of placing an image of a sacred symbol on a motor vehicle tag. The license plate does not explain the meaning of the cross to those unaware of its importance in Christianity. The license plate placards the statement “I Believe” but does not say what that belief is. Is this a proper and effective medium of Christian witness?
Frankly, I see a real downside to such a license plate. What will it say about Christian fidelity for passersby to see a car with a Christian-oriented license plate operated by a driver who has been pulled over for speeding or some other legal infraction? Jesus admonished his followers to obey the law. Imagine the thoughts of a driver who gets nearly blown off the road by a passing car going thirty miles over the speed limit and driving recklessly. I know that many Christians are taught that we are all sinners, but this is ridiculous.
Of course, religious license plates may be such a boon that they inspire a new childhood car game—count the crosses or count the humanists or count the Wiccan pentacles that appear on various vehicles. Sure, the Christians will win every time because there are so many of them. In fact, it may be that various segments of Christianity want their own license plates so that they will not be confused. Will counters of the symbols decide that Methodists drive more expensive cars than Baptists? And, what if license become highway posters for doctrines—“Closed Communion,” “Pro War,” “Baptism by Immersion,” or “Tithe!” What a sad commentary on religion all this would be.
Frankly, the South Carolina decision will not really help the institution of government or the institutions of religion. It will only allow more confusion about the relationship between religion and government. And, my guess is that, if studied carefully, some government money (salaries, administration, and the like) is probably involved in the costs required to distribute license plates.
Is the South Carolina decision legal? From where I sit, probably. But, remember, not everything legal is best for the nation or for religion.
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