IN man denied 'No Gods' license plates though state offers 'In God We Trust' plates

July 1, 4:52 PMAtheism ExaminerTrina Hoaks

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An Indiana man, Jason Borneman, has been turned down by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to get a personalized license plate that reads "NO GODS." This, from a state that offers an official state license plate that reads "In God We Trust."

Jason made his request for the plate after becoming increasingly annoyed by the growing popularity of the state's "In God We Trust" plates. Well, apparently the state does not feel that Jason's intended message is suitable for a license plate as they denied his application.

In a letter he received, he was told:

Dear Mr. Borneman,

The personalized license plate ("PLP") referenced above has been denied as inappropriate due to form or content.

According to the BMV Web site:

Personalized license plates allow creativity; however, under Indiana Statue IC 9-18-15-4 (b) the BMV may refuse to issue a combination of letters or numerals, or both, that carry a connotation offensive to good taste and decency.

The BMV will deny a personalized license plate request if an objective, reasonable person would find that the customer’s proposed expression on the personalized license plate application is determined to carry a connotation offensive to good taste and decency, is misleading, or is otherwise prohibited.

How can a state, in all good conscience, deny Jason's request when they issue state plates that carry the motto, "In God We Trust?" It doesn't seem possible - or just, for that matter.

Jason has sought the guidance of the Americans Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).

Apparently, another Indiana resident has contacted ACLU - Indiana and the American Humanist Association (AHA) with a similar complaint. This person applied for a plate to say "GODLESS" and was denied.

It seems, though, judging by this photo, that it is okay to profess that there "be gods" in the state of Indiana. Denying that gods exist, on the other hand, is out of the question.

Jason said that he is in the process of filing an appeal with the Indiana BMV and is waiting to hear from those groups he has contacted.