May 30, 2003: ACLU Opposes Choose Life License Plate; Calls on Governor Bredesen to Veto

For immediate release
May 30, 2003

For more information, contact Hedy Weinberg, Executive Director
615-320-7142

ACLU-TN Statement on Choose Life License Plates

As an organization that is committed to freedom of speech, religious freedom, and women’s reproductive rights, the ACLU of Tennessee opposes the enactment of SB618/HB788, legislation to create a “Choose Life” license plate. We call on Governor Bredesen to veto SB618/HB788.

This legislation, as amended by the House and Senate, distributes portions of the funds raised only to agencies that are in partnership with New Life Resources, an arm of Tennessee’s Right to Life organization. Most of the targeted agencies are sectarian in nature; therefore this bill violates the separation of church and state doctrine.

In addition, the legislation establishing “Choose Life” plates is not viewpoint neutral, and therefore violates the First Amendment. The state could propose a procedure that would allow pro-choice and anti-choice groups to request their own specialty plates. What the state cannot do is favor one side in a political debate by providing for only that side to place its slogan on license plates. That is what is happening. A proposed amendment to include provisions for a pro-choice license plate failed in the State Senate.

- 30 -