Ind. license plate causes controversy over group it supports

by Mike Colombo

WHAS11.com

Posted on January 18, 2012 at 11:54 PM
Updated yesterday at 12:10 AM

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WHAS11) -- A new specialty license plate in the
state of Indiana is generating some buzz.

The organization behind it, Indiana Youth Group, it serves lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth.

There are over 100 specialty license plates available for purchase in
the state of Indiana. This is one of the newest and perhaps most
controversial.

"Who cares it's just a license plate right?” Michael House said.

If only it were that simple. After three applications and one law
suit, Indiana Youth Group now has its own specialty plate. An uphill
battle, we discussed Wednesday night with Indiana Youth Groups
Executive Director Mary Byrne.

Byrne feels that this license plate is a way for some to support the
groups cause.

"I would just say why not. It's an incredible way for people to
support the programming that we do. It's an incredible way of getting
the word out for young people to know about us," Byrne said.

With that exposure comes fear of negative reaction to message of
support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.

"I don't think we, Indiana Youth Group, are going to be targeted.
Whether or not people's cars are going to get keyed...I would hope
not," Byrne said.

Some people WHAS11 talked to have their own opinions about the plate.

"I like the logo with it and stuff. It'd be something I’d consider,"
Jane Wright, Jeffersonville resident, said.

"I wouldn't see how that could offend anybody, but there are people
that have negative thoughts on things like that, I could understand
that part. I couldn't see the license plate itself being a problem,"
Chad Wright, Jeffersonville resident, said.

"…It's their personal opinion, that's why there are personal license
plates," Charlotte Marion, one motorist said.

"I don't particularly care what you do in your own homes. It's your
own business," Michael House, Indiana resident said.

The plates cost $40 in addition to the normal registration fee. Of the
extra fee, $25 will go to Indiana Youth Group.

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