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Tennessee bill requiring ‘In God We Trust’ on license plates stirs controversy

Tennessee has used this standard license plate since 2006. Some legislators want to add the words "In God We Trust" to a redesigned standard plate.
Tennessee has used this standard license plate since 2006. Some legislators want to add the words "In God We Trust" to a redesigned standard plate. Tennessee has used this standard license plate since 2006. Some legislators want to add the words "In God We Trust" to a redesigned standard plate.

By Andy Sher 4 min read

NASHVILLE – A bill requiring all Tennessee license plates to sport the national motto, “In God We Trust,” is a “wonderful idea,” said the measure’s sponsor, who introduced it at an Obion County constituent’s request.

But the head of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee and an official with American Atheists Inc. disagree.

ACLU-Tennessee Executive Director Hedy Weinberg called the measure problematic.

“Government is forcing citizens to include ideological religious messages on their cars, conscripting them into being mobile advertisements of religion,” Weinberg said.

The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Bill Sanderson, R-Kenton, said last week that “our government was founded on religious belief. I’m not trying to cram anything down anyone’s throat.”