Florida residents may soon have the option to purchase license plates that display and represent their faith, thanks to a new measure currently under review in the Florida legislature.
Under the new legislation, residents will be able to purchase license plates engrained with the words “I Believe” alongside the image of a cross and stained glass church window.
Democratic Rep. Ed Bullard, one of the bill’s sponsors, was among those who showered praise for the measure, noting that it would give residents more freedom to choose from a variety of the current over 100 different license plate options available in the state of Florida.
“They may not be into the manatee, they may not be into Challenger,” Bullard said, speaking of the other license plate options available to state residents.
“That segment (Christians), which is a large segment of the population, can now get a tag that they like and can express their beliefs,” he said.
Under current Florida laws, any resident can choose to purchase a special license plate for a fee of $25.
Though the bill seems likely to pass, it has not, however, been without critics.
Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, was among those who slammed the bill, calling it “crazy” and a clear violation of church and state.
“Maybe at this point the Legislature should begin rethinking whether a message on a state-manufactured plate, whether `I support panthers' or 'I'm a Christian,' might be better on a bumper sticker,” Simon said, according to The Miami Herald.
Republican Sen. Mike Fasano, however, countered criticism of the new bill, noting that the law already allows drivers to purchase individual license plates, and that license plates displaying crosses with an “I Believe” tag would be no different than what residents already have available to them.
“That's that the option of every driver who owns a vehicle. They can decide if they want to have a license plate with a cross in front of a stained-glass window. It's not different from choosing a Choose Life license plate or a manatee license pate or a Florida State University or University of Florida license plate,” Fasano said, according to The Miami Herald.
All extra money raised from the sale of “I Believe” license plates will help fund non-profit organizations in Orlando, Fla.
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There is way too much debate about whether we can have anything to do with Christianity, it is not Govt vs church, it is my lifestyle and I have according to our Constitution, the right to live as I please, express my opinion and love my neighbor as myself. Others have plates to express their lifestyle, are people so paranoid that they can't look at one that says God may be alive? We need to live in peace not conflict over nothing! Bless 'em, The plate is wonderful.
I've got a question... it may just be me... Can people tell you believe by how you drive?
Just thought I'd put that one out there. :-)
As an atheist, it would be just as OK for me to have a tag that said "ATHEIST," right?
This is a very good idea. I like it. It is good to have license plates for religions -- I am looking forward to purchasing the "Allah Akbar" plate with a prominent Crescent Moon over a traditional Mosque. May Mohamed His Prophet (peace be upon him) bless this good and Great State of Florida.
Mine would say "I Dont Believe"
This is my business. I'm a seasonal employee of a Florida county. I work 6 months a year in mail order, processing Florida license plate renewals. pburwell, Florida does have a pro-life license plate and I've mailed out quite of few of them. Even though I'm not religious, I have no problem with “I Believe” license plates. We exist to keep our customers happy and take their money from them.
We have wilderness protection, save the whales, save the battleship plates but if the government REALLY wanted to make money they would provide access to organizations that would be popular with the public. I want a Pro-life plate. Who wouldn't be pro-life? Oh wait, that's right, those who want to murder their babies. Let's just remember that if that's not a baby lady then you aren't pregnant.
Patrick J Burwell / OnlyJesusSaves.com
What's next "I'm gay"!!! Well, Florida can charge a premium for this & make loads of money for charity. On a serious note, my only concern is that this will open flood gates for every pressure group to have their own message.
Mk 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.