The Ohio House of Representatives has approved a new license plate that will feature the phrase “One Nation Under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance and a picture of the American flag, which Gov. Bob Taft is expected to sign. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles will charge up to $10 extra for the new license plate, but no proceeds from the sale will go to outside organizations.
Once again, citizens are immersed in another separation-of-church-and-state debate, but this particular situation is a prime example of how both can function mutually. Individuals are free to express their religious views as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others; but, because the license plate is optional, the driver of the car is not demanding that others abide by his or her religious preferences. And because the state of Ohio is not requiring that all citizens use the license plate, the state is not endorsing a religion.
Although the bill drew mild resistance from the Ohio legislature, critics will undoubtedly shout that the line between church and state is being blurred because of the factious views of those in power. It is true that the 31-word Pledge of Allegiance carries many common and familiar phrases that could easily replace the “One Nation Under God” slogan and still remind us of our allegiance to our country, but that is an argument that critics will use to detract from the true reason for Taft signing the bill: Religious tolerance is a two-way street. Religion should not be forced onto others, but others should be tolerant of religous beliefs. It is that simple.
