religious license plates in Florida

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The picture above is a specialty plate being considered in Florida. It would be the first specialty plate in the US to promote a specific religion.

I think it’s fine, so long as other religions are allowed specialty plates, too. I can’t imagine their argument against allowing that, but you know they’ve got one already. Something like “Christian plates are OK because Christianity is the correct religion.”

No surprise, the ACLU’s on top of it:

The problem with the state manufacturing the plate is that it “sends a message that Florida is essentially a Christian state” and, second, gives the “appearance that the state is endorsing a particular religious preference,” said Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.

Florida Rep. Kelly Skidmore has some common sense:

“It’s not a road I want to go down. I don’t want to see the Star of David next. I don’t want to see a Torah next. None of [those other religions that I am not a part of] are appropriate to me,” said Skidmore, a Democrat who voted against the plate in committee. “I just believe that.”

Fair warning, Florida: If your Christian plate is approved, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster WILL seek our own plate promoting Pastafarianism.

Pastafarians, let’s start designing the plate now. Please send me your submissions!

Pastafarian Mike’s design:
fsm_florida_plate1.jpg

Pastafarian DeeLawn’s design:
flordiaplate.jpg

Pastafarian Kevin’s designs:
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