Number Plates News

God Moves in Mysterious Ways

04 March 2009

US motorists in Illinois, USA, may soon have God's speed with them as they travel the state highways.

The state government has decreed that number plates may bear the legend “In God We Trust.”

A levy of $20 would be set to allow drivers to display the famous words more usually found on US currency notes. Five dollars of each fee would be allocated to a benefit fund for the families of service personnel currently engaged in the Iraq and Afghanistan war zones. Each annual renewal would add a further charitable donation of $18.

Speaking on behalf of the Illinois National Guard, Staff Sgt. Stephanie McCury, said that she was unable to estimate how much revenue the proposal would be likely to provide, but clarified that the monies would be used to boost the existing provision of financial help given to the families of servicemen and women.

The admirable intentions of the scheme are endorsed by state representative, Mike Boland: “Soldiers serving in harm's way shouldn't have to worry whether their family's telephone bill or rent is being paid,” he protests.

The bill achieved a convincing 93 to 9 majority but will still have to be placed before the Senate before it is finalised.

Dave Drucker, for the Secretary of State's office, countered potential criticism by declaring the issue to represent “no separation of church and state.”

Some religious pressure groups have express concerns, though. David Duran, from the evangelical group, Capitol Ministries, dismisses the idea by stating that; “Issues like this aren't something we consider important — whether it's displaying the Ten Commandments or putting in ‘In God We Trust' on license plates. We would much rather see hearts changed and that will lead to good works — like feeding the hungry”.

State Representative, Frank Mautino, was quick to respond with the opinion that the target market for such plates would not be the religious community, in any event.

“The people who will be pushing the sale of these plates are veterans groups and their auxiliaries. They will want to raise money to help veterans. I don't think there is a separation of church and state issue because the money raised doesn't benefit a particular religious group.”

Senator Dan Rutherford is seriously concerned that more instances of plates bearing similar marks will only lead to an increase in the confusion that has already been recorded. More plates with similar numbers will lead to more incidents of mistaken identity.

He agrees, however, that the idea is “really hard to vote against,” because of the good intentions driving it, but concludes that his reticence is based solely on issues of law enforcement and safety.

Perhaps surprisingly, the plates are welcomed by Rob Sherman, of American Atheists: “License plates are a reflection of the personal beliefs of the car owner” he says “and not the state that issues them.

“This is a free country. Speech is no less protected because it is religious.”