South Carolina Legislature Authorizes "I Believe" License Plates

On Thursday the South Carolina Senate concurred with the House and sent to the governor for his signature S. 1329, a bill authorizing the state to produce specialty license plates that "contain the words 'I Believe' and a cross superimposed on a stained glass window." The American Jewish Congress has urged Gov. Mark Sanford to veto the bill, saying it singles out one faith for special treatment. Reporting on this, The State on Thursday says that proponent argue this merely gives individuals a choice to express their personal religious beliefs on their own automobiles. The Charlotte Observer reported on Friday that House Speaker Bobby Harrell said he believes a House amendment removes constitutional problems. The enacted version provides that the issuance of the plates must comply with 2006 legislation (SC Code of Laws, Sec. 56-3-8100) requiring the Department of Motor Vehicles to have 400 prepaid orders, or an advance of $4000 from a private group, before issuing specialty plates. [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]