SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS SUE STATE OF FLORIDA OVER CONFEDERATE HERITAGE SPECIALTY PLATE
NEWS RELEASEFOR RELEASE JANUARY 16, 2009
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT: Frederic B. O’Neal, Esq 407-719-6796
John W. Adams – Sons of Confederate Veterans 407-302-1297The Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), Florida Division have filed suit in Federal Court to force the State of Florida to approve a proposed CONFEDERATE HERITAGE specialty license plate for the state.
The bill authorizing the CONFEDERATE HERITAGE specialty plate was introduced and filed during the 2008 Legislative Session by State Representative Don Brown (R-Holmes County) but was not taken up in committee.
“The SCV did everything that was required by Florida Statute to have the Confederate Heritage plate approved by the Legislature and we were not given the time of day by the Florida Legislature,” stated SCV Plate Chairman John W. Adams of Deltona, Florida.
“Ten states have similar plates and the courts have, without exception, ordered that the plates be produced by the states involved – we seek the same consideration here in Florida.”
The lawsuit seeks to order to the State of Florida to create and distribute the plate to the 67 counties along with the other 106 specialty plates that have been approved and distributed. Proceeds from the plate will be used to repair and enhance veteran’s cemeteries in Florida; provide for academic grants and scholarships and support patriotism in Florida’s schools.
The SCV is a nationally recognized historical organization comprised of individuals whose ancestors fought during the Civil War for the 11 states of the Confederacy and other states that provided soldiers for the effort. Florida was the third state to join the Confederacy on January 10, 1861.
Also providing legal support for the lawsuit is the nationally recognized RUTHERFORD INSTITUTE. The Rutherford Institute has emerged as one of the nation’s leading advocates of civil liberties and human rights, litigating in the courts and educating the public on a wide spectrum of issues affecting individual freedoms in the United States and around the world.
Orlando Attorney Frederic B. O’Neal is the attorney for the SCV. Individuals wishing more information on the plate or the organization may visit: http://www.HeritagePlate.org