The Texas legislature has given preliminary approval for issuing state licence plates that read "Choose Life." The revenue raised from the sale of the specialty plates will be used to fund adoptions and pro-life counseling at state pregnancy centers.
The Senate tentatively passed a bill to establish "Choose Life" license plates, with revenue going to promote adoption. There was no debate on SB 1098 by Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas. The vote was 22-9 with one Republican, Sen. Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio, joining eight of the body's 12 Democrats in opposing the bill.
The bill faces a final Senate vote before going to the House. Gov. Rick Perry favors the bill. Texas would join 19 states that have similar plates, which have raised more than $9 million to support pregnant women who are considering adoption.
UPDATE: Perry's office just issued the following statement:
"I am pleased the Senate has passed legislation authorizing the creation of a Choose Life specialty license plate. Texans have long been able to support their causes in this way, so I'm glad they can do so now to assist pregnant women who are considering adoption as an alternative to abortion for their unborn children."
"This license plate will give Texans a subtle but meaningful way to express their personal views, while supporting pregnant women making the decision to choose adoption. I applaud Sen. Carona and Rep. Phillips for sponsoring this bill."
There would be nothing objectionable about the proposed plates had it not been for another inconvenient fact about the state of Texas' commitment to life. See here and here for the most recent data.
Comments