In God We Trust Registration Plates

A religious group has challenged Kentucky’s decision to deny it a specialty license plate that reads “In God We Trust.”

A judge heard arguments Monday from lawyers for Reclaim Our Culture Kentuckiana or ROCK and the state Transportation Cabinet, the Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal reported. Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said he hopes to rule on the issue soon.

ROCK’s proposed license plate would include a U.S. flag, the outline of Kentucky’s borders and the national motto. The group says any money it makes from the sale of the plates would be used to fight pornography and help women leave the sex industry.

The state argues it cannot approve specialty plates aimed at promoting religion or opposition to religion. It also says the plates would appear to be official state ones because the group’s name does not appear.