A Missouri county police office is drawing mixed reaction after it put decals bearing the words "In God We Trust" on all of its patrol vehicles, sparking debate on whether or not this violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.
The Stone County Sheriff's Office posted the photos of the vehicles on its Facebook page with the message: "I am proud to announce that all of the Stone County Sheriff's Office Patrol vehicles now have 'In God we trust' on the back. This became our National Motto in 1956 and is on all of our currency. There has been no better time than now to proudly display our National Motto!"
"In God We Trust" is the official motto of the United States and it is printed on its currency.
While many people praised the police force for sticking the decals, some said this violates a provision in the US Constitution.
"Spending government funds to promote religion clearly goes against the establishment clause of the US Constitution. A Federal matter. See you in court," posted the Atheist Foundation as a comment on the photos.
Facebook user Sam Mace said it is "absolutely a violation of the separation of church and state."
"Government can't promote one or any religion. And, even without the decals, you now have to be suspicious of almost any action by the Sheriff now that we know his views. Will he discriminate based on religious affiliation? Has he discriminated based on religious affiliation in the past? This is stupid and it's going to be a waste of taxpayer dollars fighting it," he said.
But many are praising the action.
"I wish my towns police department had these decals on their cars and ambulances, too. I think it's wonderful," wrote Paula Loyd.
"That is so great, Sheriff of Stone County. Every sheriff's patrol cars should have that on all their cars. Thank you for being the leader for all the other sheriff's patrol cars across the nation," posted Betty McCartney.
