Poll: 'In God We Trust' Standard?

Following Georgia Department of Revenue's  to determine the state's new standard-issue license plate, State Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen, is proposing all plates display the motto, "In God We Trust," according to Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

Do you consider "In God We Trust" a religious statement or more of a ritual practice? Does it violate the constitutional separation of government and religion? Tell us in the comments.

Heath, who represents portions of  and  counties, including  and , said in a newsletter he distributes via email the department "decided to throw out the results of the  after finding out that most people preferred a design with our nation's motto [included]."

He further alleges the department is violating a 2010 legislative change to a law requiring it to print decals by profiting from their sale. The motto currently is available to motorists for an extra $1 fee.

"The department, seeing great demand for the decals, decided to profit by charging a dollar for a decal that, according to [its] data, only costs 9.8 cents to manufacture and distribute," Heath said in the newsletter. "So now it seems that we not only have a government willing to dissolve [its] Christian roots—we also have a government trying to make another buck, well 90 cents, off those who still cling to our motto, 'In God We Trust.'"

Beginning in July, Heath's proposal would require license plates contain "In God We Trust" in the area currently designated for the county name. For those who don't wish to display the motto, the department would be required to provide county name decals.

"To be fair and to avoid any additional cost burden on taxpayers, the Department of Revenue [would] only be authorized to charge the cost to manufacture and distribute the county decals," Heath said. "The decal would be applied to the space reserved for 'In God We Trust.'

"If our nation's motto is good enough for our currency and our patriotic songs, how can it not be acceptable for our license plates?"

Heath added the state has collected about $213,000 in fees for 237,000 elective "In God We Trust" stickers. They've been available for nine months.

"Many" state senators already have signed on to co-sponsor the bill, Heath said. He pre-filed it Tuesday, the first day legislators could propose laws in advance of the 2012 legislative session, which begins Jan. 9.

In proposed redistricting following the 2010 Census, , but , including those in and near Hiram. The .