S.C. Group Files Suit Over 'I Believe' License Plates

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A group that advocates separation of church and state filed a federal lawsuit yesterday to prevent South Carolina from becoming the first state to create "I Believe" license plates.

The group contends that South Carolina's government is endorsing Christianity by allowing the plates, which would include a cross superimposed on a stained glass window.

Washington-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed the lawsuit on behalf of two Christian pastors, a humanist pastor and a rabbi in South Carolina, along with the Hindu American Foundation.

"I do believe these 'I Believe' plates will not see the light of day because the courts, I'm confident, will see through this," the group's executive director, the Reverend Barry Lynn, said.