RI Governor Vetoes Bill Authorizing "Choose Life" Plate On Church-State Grounds

As reported by Fox News, on Tuesday Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee vetoed (full text of veto message) H 5053 (full text) which authorized a "Choose Life" specialty license plate with a portion of the proceeds from its sale gong to Care-Net- Rhode Island. In his veto message, Chaffee said that Care-Net was originally founded by the Christian Action Council and Care-Net's aim is "to share the love and truth of Jesus Christ...." Chaffee continued:

The Framers of the United States and Rhode Island Constitutions constructed strong walls of separation between church and state. This bill compels the state to collect and distribute funds to an organization that advocates a particular religious and political viewpoint. It is my belief that state participation in the transmission of funds to this organization would violate the separation of church and state, one of the fundamental principles upon which our state was founded.

 [Thanks to Blog from the Capital for the lead.]