Republican Utah Gov. Gary Herbert signed a statewide law Monday that standardized license plates reading “In God We Trust.”
Utah is now the 20th state to offer the license plate as a standard option, The Salt Lake Tribune reports. The slogan, which is the U.S. national motto, has drawn the ire of activist atheist groups. The law will take effect Jan. 1 of 2017.
“This state was founded by people who came here believing that God was leading them to a place where they could have refuge from persecution and worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience,” Herbert said at the bill signing.
The slogan was previously available as a specialty plate that required an extra fee. The state’s support of the motto comes at a time when the phrase is under increasing fire. The Freedom From Religion Foundation has campaigned to have the motto taken off U.S. currency. Police and sheriffs around the country have taken their stand by putting the motto on patrol vehicles. Using the phrase is a safer legal option, however, than other religious displays such as nativities because it is the national motto.
Herbert said the law is about making a statement and honoring America’s founding principles.
“For example, (President) John Adams said our Constitution was made for only a religious and moral people. He said he found it totally inadequate for any other kind of people,” Herbert said. “In a time when we see the challenge of God and worship of God and religious rights being threatened, I know that’s a concern.”
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