Rhode Island Governor Vetoes “Choose Life” License Plate

Written by Don Byrd
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee concluded a specialty license plate that would have raised money for a religious organization is an improper use of state funds. He vetoed a “Choose Life” plate earlier approved by the state legislature, citing church-state concerns because half of the $40 plate fee would be designated for a religious organization.

50 Years Later, Courage Like Schempp’s Still Needed

Written by Don Byrd
Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Abington v. Schempp, in which the practice of required Bible readings to begin the public school day was ruled unconstitutional. Then-16-year-old Ellery Schempp staged a protest of the requirement and refused to back down to school officials, ultimately filing suit over the dispute. Schempp and his family received threats but stayed with the case, ultimately a win for the religious liberty of all of us.