license plates — A Kentucky man’s request for a personalized license plate that read ‘IM GOD’ was denied by the state. Photograph: Raymundo Ruiz/AP

Atheist sues for denied request of 'IM GOD' license plate in Kentucky

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The state’s transportation department said Bennie Hart’s personalized plate, which he said he had in Ohio for years, was in bad taste and could distract drivers

An atheist’s request for a personalized license plate saying “IM GOD” was denied by the state of Kentucky, which said it might distract other drivers, and would be in bad taste.

Bennie Hart says that by announcing “IM GOD” on his license plate, he simply wants to show the impossibility of disproving anyone’s claim to being “God”.

Besides, Hart says, he had the same plate for a dozen years when he lived in Ohio, without causing any problems.

Hart sued the state transportation secretary, Greg Thomas, on Tuesday on free speech grounds, asking a federal judge in Frankfort to strike down some Kentucky laws and rules for personalized plates.

Transportation spokesman Ryan Watts says the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

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Atheist sues for denied request of 'IM GOD' license plate in Kentucky

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