Andre Bauer Rails Against Religious Freedom in South Carolina
Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that South Carolina’s Christian liscence plate was unconstitutional, because it amounted to government endorsement of a particular religious faith.
This case presents a textbook example of the need for and continued vitality of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, as applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment. The United States Supreme Court has repeatedly warned that “government may not promote or affiliate itself with any religious doctrine or organization.” See, e.g., County of Allegheny v. ACLU Greater Pittsburgh Chapter, 492 U.S. 573, 590 (1989) (emphasis added). This limitation on government action is based on the clear understanding of our founders that “a union of government and religion tends to destroy government and to degrade religion.” Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421, 431 (1962). [Emphasis in the original.]
In response, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer let loose with a hair-on-fire tirade that will embarrass his descendants:
For those who say proclaiming “I believe” violates the constitution by giving preference to Christianity, I think this lawsuit clearly discriminates against persons of faith. I will ask the state Attorney General to vigorously appeal this ruling because it is time that people stand up for their beliefs. Enough is enough.
First, the license plate does not merely proclaim “I believe.” It includes an image of the Christian cross in front of a stained glass window. No rational human being anywhere in the United States would miss the point of this license plate: to promote the Christian faith.
This isn’t about “people of faith.” It’s about people of a particular faith, the one endorsed by Andre Bauer.
Second, when asked if he would support a license plate that endorsed the Islamic faith by featuring Islamic symbols, Bauer said “I would not [support a tag for Islam] because that is not the group I support.” He has made similar statements regarding other religions: they won’t get plates if it’s up to him.
So, Bauer wants the state to issue license plates that promote Christianity, but not other faiths. In what universe is his policy not discriminatory? Does he even understand the concept of religious freedom? I doubt it.
And now he wants taxpayer money spent to “vigorously appeal” a federal decision that in fact protects religious freedom in South Carolina.
Will someone please give Andre Bauer a copy of the United States Constitution? He would do well to read it, and live by it.
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