In Bakersfield, California, police and fire vehicles will soon be sporting new “In God We Trust” decals after Wednesday’s 4-2 vote by the city council, KERO reported.
“I love the motto,” revealed Council member Jacquie Sullivan, the Bakersfield Californian reported. It’s meaningful. It’s powerful. Those words are intended to encourage.”
“It’s clear this decision doesn’t represent everybody in this community” Councilmember Willie Rivera responded after 19 people spoke up against the decals. Councilmember Andrae Gonzales said his God is “much bigger than a bumper sticker.”
In God We Trust America, a non-profit foundation that Sullivan is involved with will donate the decals to the town, KERO reported.
“Unlike God, police officers are fallible,” said Jordan Wells, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney who was against the decals, The Bakersfield Californian reported. “Their conduct should be scrutinized by the public, and when they overstep their authority, we must insist on accountability.”
The city of Shafter, also nearby, will consider a similar proposal on June 18, KERO reported.