Every time a person uses cash, the phrase “In God We Trust” consciously or subconsciously enters his or her psyche. This is because the words, however small the printing, are on all United States currency. \nThe phrase recently entered our fields of vision more often, though, evidenced by the 1.6 million Indiana license plates with the saying.\nLast week, a judge denied a lawsuit from Indiana resident Mark Studler and the American Civil Liberties Union that claimed the use of the saying on the plate is unconstitutional. The ACLU argued that the plate, which is provided at no extra charge, should carry with it a $15 fee, such as that charged for other specialty plates. \nWe appreciate the sentiment behind the judge’s ruling, which seems to recognize that the phrase is more akin to honoring a long-standing tradition of using the phrase. However, we disagree that the plate deserves preferential treatment. Indeed, the use of the phrase is fine, as long as those wishing to drive with it on their license plates pay a nominal fee. \nThose who argue for the use of the “God” phrase on plates (and also on money) might say that no harm is done by its use. After all, is there anything wrong with a simple four words, especially words that recognize the historical roots of our democracy?\nBut we can turn the argument around and posit the reciprocal: Is there any harm in not having the phrase? It is, after all, already printed on currency. And if it’s a political, social or religious statement you want to make, why not on a bumper sticker instead? Indiana, it seems, should not be in the business of providing a free, mobile billboard of religious speech.\nThe state’s motto, “The Crossroads of America,” might be a better phrase to print. After all, it seems to indicate that this is not only the intersection of roads, but of ideas and people. If this state is a crossroads of our country – a country that prides itself on being open to all cultures and beliefs – than it should recognize that “In God We Trust,” while a worthwhile notion, is not inclusive of all Hoosiers. As such, its proper use is not on a free, state-sponsored license plate.
\nDISSENT – Robert Granger\nThe judge’s decision is right because it follows precedent. A sign with the same words was judged Constitutional by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, based on the reasoning that in 1956 Congress established “In God We Trust” as the national motto. One would have to defeat the Constitutionality of the motto in order to establish this plate as unconstitutional. Some take issue with the state offering this “specialty plate” absent of a fee. However, while similar in appearance, this plate differs from other specialty plates because this plate was actually established by the Indiana legislature as an alternative to the – may I say dull – original state plate. It’s entirely appropriate for the state to offer an alternative plate absent of fees if a large portion of the population desires it, and this is seen in the 1.6 million “In God We Trust” plates in Indiana.
