Huffingtonpost.com:
A New Jersey woman who says she was denied a license plate referencing atheism filed suit this week, claiming her online application was rejected because it was deemed potentially offensive.
Shannon Morgan, of Maurice Township, said in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday that the Motor Vehicle Commission violated her First Amendment rights when its website rejected the plate reading “8THEIST.” She said she received a message stating that her vanity plate request was ineligible as it “may carry connotations offensive to good taste and decency.”
Morgan then filled out the online application using the phrase “BAPTIST” as a test, which the website accepted. Morgan claims in her lawsuit that she sent the agency a letter of complaint by registered mail and made several attempts to contact them by phone, all of which went unanswered.
What’s New Jersey’s problem? I disagree that the plate is offensive. The plate message refers to the car owner and isn’t trying to recruit or shove its message down anyone else’s throat. It isn’t close to being off-color nor does it contain sexual or profane language.
Does New Jersey now mandate that people believe in a deity? Afraid that might violate the Constitution. They deserve to lose this court challenge. Somehow I don’t think it will get that far. Perhaps this time their DMV system will get it right.
Heh…. I know quite a few people that say, “Oh, God…..” when they cross the Jersey line……
Just another reason to spark road rage – the BAPTIST plate should be banned too. Some people will find both offensive – and many people today have no self control (or manners) and will key the car or cut them off.
It does give me a chuckle when I see a ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ plate – and I laugh that they actually pay a fee to get that plate – kinda ironic.
Yes, the irony is almost an art form in this case, isn’t it, Pat?
I like the idea of preventing potentially offensive plates.
I suppose BAPTIST should also not be allowed. Though such a thing will provide one more talking point for the Bill O’Reilly’s of the world to use as evidence that the good Christian folk are under attack in a “culture war” by the secular progressives.
I see no reason to ban 8theist. It isn’t offensive to me, nor is BAPTIST. Truck nuts are offensive.
@Pat.Herve
How so? The DMV isn’t “treading” on anyone. The phrase refers to abuses…not government service.
I see the irony in the state supporting and advertising an idea that lessens government.
@Cargosquid
Because they have to pay to get the plate. So instead of getting a one time pay sticker, they are willing to pay a yearly fee for something that does not cost any additional. Me, I do not waste my money on such things.
Sure..they pay for it. Voluntarily. That’s no problem.
I don’t pay for such things either. Bumper stickers are cheaper.
I enjoy relating the license plate message with driver behavior. And bumper stickers.
“Bumper stickers such as “Make Love, Not War” and “More Trees, Less Bush” speak volumes about a vehicle’s driver — but maybe not in the way they might hope. People who customize their cars with stickers and other adornments are more prone to road rage than other people, according to researchers in Colorado.”
See rest of article in “Nature” .
@ed myers
“People who customize their cars with stickers and other adornments are more prone to road rage than other people, according to researchers in Colorado.”
HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Riiiiiight…..
Do AAA stickers on the bumper count?
“Indeed, a brief glance around your office may reveal the most territorial individuals by the number of personalizing objects present on their desks.”
Wouldn’t rule it out…….
Just tried–you can get 8 THEIS in Virginia but not 8THEIST. Have to have a space or dash somewhere.
I wonder if that is why the NJ plate request was rejected?