The governing board at the Texas Department of Vehicles approved a Calvary Hill license plate featuring the slogan “One State Under God,” resulting in both praise and disappointment from supporters and opponents.
By a 4-3 vote on Thursday, the state board decided to allow the religious design created by Glory Gang, a nonprofit youth organization, to be accepted into their specialty plate program, angering some who felt the state was favoring one religion over another.
“It’s become pretty clear that our governor [Rick Perry] is dismissive of religious beliefs other than his own, and now his governmental appointees have voted to send a message that Texas is unwelcoming to the religious faiths of some of its citizens,” Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller said in a statement.
“The truth is that giving government the power to play favorites ultimately diminishes religious freedom for everyone.”
Miller shared that the new license plate was not only disrespectful for the religious freedom of people of all faiths but for Christianity as well.
The Rev. Larry Bethune, a TFN board member and pastor of University Baptist Church in Austin, also expressed his disapproval. “I’m disappointed to see the state endorse a particular faith, even if it’s mine, and to see Christians trivialize our faith into slogans and symbols on the back of a bumper.”
Jonathan Saenz, an attorney and director of legislative affairs for the Liberty Institute, however, applauded the board’s recent decision, calling it a victory for religious freedom and free speech. He had testified before the DMV board in favor of the new plate.
“Private speech, protected by the First Amendment, should not be subjected to second class treatment,” Saenz stated in a statement. “The four members of the DMV board made the right decision. Anyone who opposed this plate either doesn’t know the law or has no respect for the First Amendment.”
The Liberty Institute, which works to protect religious freedoms for individuals, groups, and churches, believes that the phrase “One State Under God” is a reflection of Texas voters and Texas values, as a well as Texas’ support for the private religious speech of all in the state.
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