The city council in Lake Charles, Louisiana has unanimously voted to add “In God We Trust” decals to local government vehicles.
According to The Christian Post, the city council believes the well-known American motto will encourage citizens to trust their local law enforcement officials.
"I think when the citizens of Lake Charles see such stickers displayed on our vehicles they have a feeling of trust in their elected officials," City Councilman Rodney Geyen told local station KPLC-TV.
The city council approved the measure to add “In God We Trust” decals to government vehicles back in November. The motto will be added to police patrol vehicles, fire trucks, and public works vehicles.
Other U.S. cities have also added the motto to their government vehicles, including the other Louisiana cities of Sulphur and Vinton.
There has also been pushback against adding the motto to government vehicles, especially from atheist organization Freedom From Religion Foundation, which argues that displaying the motto on government vehicles violates the Establishment Clause.
However, in one case, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote, “Displaying 'In God We Trust' on police vehicles is a passive use of a motto steeped in our nation's history that does not coerce citizen approval or participation.”
Childress, Texas Police Chief Adrian Garcia added that "I think with all the assaults happening on officers across the country ... it's time we get back to where we once were.”
Publication date: January 11, 2016
