Judge strikes religious license plates

COLUMBIA, S.C., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- A U.S. judge says South Carolina's Legislature violated the Constitution when it authorized religious-themed car license plates.

U.S. District Court Judge Cameron Currie on Tuesday issued a permanent injunction against the legislation, after lawmakers voted to approve license plates adorned with the words "I Believe" as well as crosses and images of stained glass windows, the Greenville (S.C.) News reported.

"Whether motivated by sincerely held Christian beliefs or an effort to purchase political capital with religious coin, the result is the same," Currie reportedly wrote. "The statute is clearly unconstitutional and defense of its implementation has embroiled the state in unnecessary (and expensive) litigation."

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who initiated the legislation, denounced the ruling, telling the News, "For those who say proclaiming 'I believe' violates the Constitution by giving preference to Christianity, I think this lawsuit clearly discriminates against persons of faith."

The Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United For Separation of Church and State, told the newspaper: "Government must never be allowed to express favored treatment for one faith over others."