Atheist driver demands 'I'm God' license plate -- how do you think the state responded?

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Christian Examiner) – A Kentucky resident and atheist is protesting after the state rejected his application for an "I'm God" specialized license plate, and he's getting support from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Kentucky resident Ben Hart drove a car with an "IM GOD" license plate when he lived in Ohio, and when he moved to Kentucky he applied for the same plate there. But the Kentucky Department of Vehicle Regulation rejected his application, saying it did not meet the "standard of good taste and decency," according to FFRF, of which Hart is a member.

An FFRF attorney sent a letter to the department's commissioner, arguing there is no legal precedent for the refusal.

"A state government may not restrict an 'IM GOD' personalized plate," the letter reads. "An individual has a protected free speech right to select that message, as they would to select a religious message or any other message."

Further, FFRF contends the "good taste and decency" restriction should no longer be enforced at all.

Kentucky officials said the plate also would be a distraction on the road.

"Without question, the use of 'IM GOD' is not in good taste and would create the potential of distraction to other drivers and possible confrontations" a letter to FFRF from Kentucky's office of legal services reads. "We would have taken the very same position had the individual requested plates that read 'IM ALLAH' or 'IM BUDDAH' or 'IM SATAN.'"

FRRF claims 23,700 members nationwide.