Proof that freedom of religion is not necessarily freedom from religion and that, in some ways, "GOD" is still acceptable in state government.
Article published Nov 18, 2008
Court upholds 'God' plates in Indiana
ACLU not yet sure whether to appeal.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/app...gory=News01&ArtNo=811180327&Template=printart
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indiana Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of the state's "In God We Trust" license plate Monday, rejecting a claim that people who buy the plates should have to pay a $15 administrative fee charged for other specialty plates.
In its 12-page ruling, the appeals court found that state lawmakers acted correctly in creating a license plate classification system that exempts people who buy the "In God We Trust" plate from paying the administrative fee.
The court found that the General Assembly's license plate system "is reasonably related to the inherent characteristics of the license plates."
In a statement on the ruling, Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter said that "In God We Trust" -- the motto found on U.S. currency -- "has found deep support among our fellow citizens."
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana had challenged the "God" plate fees on behalf of Mark E. Studler, an Allen County resident who has an Environmental Trust plate for which he had to pay extra fees.Ken Falk, the legal director of the ACLU of Indiana, said the group is not yet sure whether it will appeal the appellate ruling.
The ACLU's lawsuit claimed the Bureau of Motor Vehicles gave preferential treatment to motorists wanting the "God" plate that also features the U.S. flag because they don't have to pay the $15 fee the BMV collects on sales of most other Indiana specialty plates.
Court upholds 'God' plates in Indiana
ACLU not yet sure whether to appeal.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/app...gory=News01&ArtNo=811180327&Template=printart
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indiana Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of the state's "In God We Trust" license plate Monday, rejecting a claim that people who buy the plates should have to pay a $15 administrative fee charged for other specialty plates.
In its 12-page ruling, the appeals court found that state lawmakers acted correctly in creating a license plate classification system that exempts people who buy the "In God We Trust" plate from paying the administrative fee.
The court found that the General Assembly's license plate system "is reasonably related to the inherent characteristics of the license plates."
In a statement on the ruling, Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter said that "In God We Trust" -- the motto found on U.S. currency -- "has found deep support among our fellow citizens."
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana had challenged the "God" plate fees on behalf of Mark E. Studler, an Allen County resident who has an Environmental Trust plate for which he had to pay extra fees.Ken Falk, the legal director of the ACLU of Indiana, said the group is not yet sure whether it will appeal the appellate ruling.
The ACLU's lawsuit claimed the Bureau of Motor Vehicles gave preferential treatment to motorists wanting the "God" plate that also features the U.S. flag because they don't have to pay the $15 fee the BMV collects on sales of most other Indiana specialty plates.