Texas Attorney General: Displaying “In God We Trust” on Police Cars is Constitutional

Austin, TX, November, 5 2015 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has released an official Attorney General Opinion clarifying the legality of the use of ‘In God We Trust’ on police cars. The opinion was requested by State Sen. Charles Perry and State Rep. Drew Springer after the Childress Police Department came under attack from the Freedom from Religion Foundation for displaying our nation’s motto on patrol vehicles.

The Attorney General Opinion states:

“’There is an unbroken history of official acknowledgment by all three branches of government of the role of religion in American life from at least 1789.’ (Lynch, 465 U.S. at 674.) A law enforcement department’s decision to display the national motto on its vehicles is consistent with that history. Thus, a court is likely to conclude that a law enforcement department’s display of “In God We Trust” on its patrol vehicles is permissible under the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.” Read the full opinion here.

Texas Values President and Attorney Jonathan Saenz released the folwing statement:

“Attorney General Paxton’s opinion makes it clear, the words “In God We Trust” can be displayed on law enforcement vehicles. We continue to stand behind the Childress Police Department in their decision to display “In God We Trust.” Texas law enforcement officers need our support, not harassment by frivolous legal threats from out of state groups that oppose religious freedom. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Perry, Representative Springer, and Attorney General Paxton on this critical issue.”

About Texas Values

Texas Values is a non-profit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.