'In God We Trust' plates stir up debate

Atheist Rob Sherman believes that if Illinoisans are able to buy license plates saying "In God We Trust," they also should have the right to purchase "God is Make-Believe" plates.

Sherman, a resident of Buffalo Grove, said he wouldn't put such a plate on his car, "but if some Christian wants it on their car, that's fine."

The Illinois House of Representatives last week approved the "In God We Trust" proposal - House Bill 4183 - by a 105-3 vote. It awaits approval from the Senate.

The bill would give drivers the option of purchasing the specialty license plates for $20 in addition to regular licensing fees. Part of the receipts would be placed into the Illinois Military Relief Fund, which is available to families of men and women in the armed forces.

Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, sponsor of the legislation, said the plates would give Illinoisans the opportunity to recognize the national motto and provide needed resources to military families.

"It's voluntary. You don't want the plates, you don't need to buy them," Bradley said. "It's a potential source of revenue for military families and indicates a wonderful message. I would anticipate there would be broad-based support (in the Senate)."

Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, said the Illinois Military Relief Fund provides grants of as much as $600 per family to help ease financial troubles.

"The last thing we want is someone over in Iraq or Afghanistan that is getting shot at and worrying about bombs, also distracted with how they are going to pay their house payment," Boland said. "The fund is strictly voluntary. Now, this ('In God We Trust' license plates) will provide a steady revenue source on top of the private donations that come in to help those families."

Rep. Sandra Pihos, R-Glen Ellyn, said she voted against the bill out of principle, not because of its message.

"Since I arrived in Springfield, I am sensitive to the amount of specialty plates that are in Illinois," Pihos said. "It's very confusing for state police officers. I feel like someday we need to go to a standard license plate. We could still have a specialty area, like a decal, but the plates would be the same."

Meagan Sexton can be reached at (217) 782-6882.