S.C. lieutenant governor offers to pay for religious plates

Associated Press
Published: June 12, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer says he’s willing to put up the money needed for the state to start printing religious “I Believe” license plates.

Legislation allowing the state Department of Motor Vehicles to print the tags became law earlier this month. But special tags require a process be followed. It means the agency must either get a $4,000 deposit or collect 400 prepaid orders for them, and someone must submit a design application.

Bauer says he has offered to pay the upfront fee and get reimbursed by people who get the plates. He helped push the measure through the General Assembly, saying it gives people a way to express their beliefs.

Civil rights groups are considering suing over the plates, which show the image of a cross.