Politics & Government

Chafee Nixes 'Choose Life' License Plates — What Do You Think?

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee recently vetoed a bill that would have created a new registration plate.

A General Assembly proposal to create a new 'Choose Life' registration plate fell to Gov. Lincoln Chafee's veto pen, with the governor saying he didn't agree with the plan to provide funding for a Providence anti-abortion clinic.

Chafee said in his veto message that the bill "would violate the separation of church and state" by providing state funds for a religious organization — in this case, half of the proposed $40 fee for the new plate.

According to the Providence Journal, Assembly members passed the bill near the end of the legislative session on July 1.

The House passed the bill 40-26, with the Senate tally 22 to 15, the Journal reported.

Tell Us: What do you think about Gov. Chafee veto of the 'Choose Life' license plates? Should organizations like CareNet-RI be allowed to raise funds through the state Registry of Motor Vehicles? Or do you agree that this was an issue of separation of church and state, as Gov. Chafee said?

Have your say in the comments section below.


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