Last year, Kentucky legislators passed a bill that would put the state seal adorned with the phrase “In God We Trust” in all subcommittee meeting rooms.

State Senator Albert Robinson, who sponsored the legislation, said this was needed because “This is America. I feel like this nation was and is established by God.”

So he didn’t even try to hide the fact that this was all about promoting his religion.

Normally, when “In God We Trust” signs go up anywhere, they’re donated by Christian groups. That’s why it’s unusual — and even more frustrating — that these signs in Kentucky are currently billed to the taxpayers:

Kentucky taxpayers will pay the $2,811 bill for “In God We Trust” signs placed in state legislative committee rooms… … At that time, Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said no state tax money would be used to buy and install the signs. Private donations would pay for them, he said. “That’s exactly what’s going to happen,” Robinson said Wednesday. “I intend to raise the money when the next legislative session starts in January or will pay for it myself. I have deep convictions on this.”

I’m sure it won’t be hard to fundraise, but it shouldn’t even come to this.

The biggest irony is that, if you look at the seal carefully, you’ll see Kentucky’s state motto on it: “United we stand, divided we fall.” And right above that now is a phrase that divides residents of Kentucky between the ones who believe in God (the only ones who matter to legislators) and the ones who don’t.

(Portions of this article were published earlier. Thanks to Brian for the link)



