A Christian license plate in South Carolina has been ruled unconstitutional by a federal district court. The license plate showed a cross, stained glass window and the words “I Believe.” The ruling overturned the state law known as the “I Believe” Act which gave the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) authority to issue the license plate.

U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie held that “such a law amounts to state endorsement not only of religion in general, but of a specific sect in particular.”

“Government must never be allowed to play favorites when it comes to religion,” said Ayesha N. Khan, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which brought the legal challenge on behalf of four local clergy, as well as the Hindu American Foundation and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. “That’s a fundamental constitutional rule, and I am delighted that the judge has reminded South Carolina officials of that fact.”

The South Carolina DMV offers more than 100 specialty plates, including one that says “In God We Trust,” but the “I Believe” plate is different, according to the court.

The “I Believe” Act is unconstitutional because it “authorizes a single plate with a uniquely Christian message” and was approved through government action, suggesting the government favors a specific religion, Curried said.

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