TL;DR
- Millions from state license plates fund anti-LGBTQ groups.
- Four states directly support hate groups.
- Specialty plates are used for political lobbying.
- Legislation is being challenged to stop this funding.
- Public funds should promote the public good.
Hold onto your steering wheels, folks, because it turns out your license plate might be more than just a number. In a shocking investigation by Uncloseted Media and LOOKOUT, it has been revealed that millions of dollars from state motor vehicle departments are being funneled into far-right extremist groups that are actively working to undermine LGBTQ rights. Yes, you heard that right—your car could be supporting the very organizations that are trying to roll back hard-won rights for the LGBTQ community.
According to the findings, over $7 million has been directed to groups that not only lobby against equity measures but also fund litigation aimed at striking down protections for LGBTQ individuals. This cash flow is coming from specialty license plates—those cute designs on the back of your car that you thought were just for fun. But it’s not just about vanity; it’s a political cash grab that’s been going on under the radar.
Let’s break it down. States like Arizona, Montana, Florida, and Mississippi are among the worst offenders, with their license plates funding organizations like the American Family Association (AFA) and Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)—both of which have been designated as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center. For instance, Arizona’s “In God We Trust” plate has funneled over $1.4 million to ADF, a group notorious for its anti-trans legislation and for successfully overturning Colorado’s conversion therapy ban. Talk about a betrayal!
But wait, there’s more! In Florida, two specialty plates have contributed over $450,000 to Florida Family Voice, a group that has been a vocal supporter of the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, the AFA has launched a new plate that nets them $24 per purchase, already raking in over $8,000 in just a few months. It’s a disturbing trend that shows how these plates are being weaponized against vulnerable communities.
And let’s not forget the process behind these specialty plates. States have made it all too easy for organizations to set up these fundraising schemes. In Arizona, for instance, all it takes is a lawmaker’s sponsorship and a $32,000 setup fee to get a specialty plate rolling. Once approved, $17 from every plate sold goes directly to the organization. It’s a system ripe for exploitation, and exploit it they have!
Even politicians are taking notice, with Arizona’s Governor Katie Hobbs recently vetoing a bill that would have allowed funds from a state license plate to go to Turning Point USA, arguing that license plates should remain nonpartisan. But the reality is that license plates have been funding partisan political projects for over a decade, and it’s time for that to change.
As more and more people become aware of where their money is going, pressure is mounting to put an end to this practice. State Senator Juan Mendez (D-Tempe) previously sponsored a bill to remove the controversial plates, but it sadly died in committee. The fight isn’t over, though. Advocacy groups are calling for transparency and accountability, insisting that public funds should promote the public good, not line the pockets of extremist organizations.
So next time you’re cruising down the highway, take a moment to think about what your license plate might be funding. It’s not just a number; it’s a statement. And if it’s funding hate, it’s time to demand change. Stand up, speak out, and let’s make sure our roads are free from the influence of anti-LGBTQ extremism.