****UPDATE: The DMV has reversed its decision, according to the AP, and awarded the license plate referenced in the story below.****

A woman says her request for a specialty license plate to honor her wife has been denied by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

Amy Bright told WFMY-TV in Greensboro she applied for a plate reading “LSBNSNLV,” for “lesbians in love.”

The DMV issued a statement saying the agency has the right to deny any license plate it deems “offensive to good taste and decency.”

“I think that’s ridiculous. I’m trying to celebrate the love I have for my wife, so I don’t see how that’s in poor taste,” the Greenville woman said. “How can a celebration of love be in poor taste?”

The agency’s statement to the television station doesn’t address Bright’s request specifically; It says that personalized plates cannot include a message that is “offensive to good taste and decency.”

The statement also says the U.S. Supreme Court has determined that license plates are “government speech,” giving the state agency “broad discretion in refusing to issue a plate with an indecent word or message.” The DMV says it has rejected more than 7,000 license plate requests over the years.

Bright notes that her request has no curse words or hate speech. She said she previously had a plate reading “OUTLSBN,” for “out lesbian.” She thinks the rejection reflects someone’s personal feeling, rather than a governing principle.

Bright said her First Amendment rights are being violated. She’s appealing, and says she’ll sue if the appeal is denied.

Related Stories
‹
Democrat Roy Cooper Needs to Defy North Carolina History to Keep Winning Streak Alive in Senate Race
Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON and BILL BARROW RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina does not mind electing Democrats as governor, but it is a different matter when it comes to sending them to the U.S. Senate. Roy Cooper, who led the state for two terms, is trying to change that with a campaign that could […]
Chansky's Notebook: The State of Basketball
As usual, the state of North Carolina will be punching well above its weight in this year's NCAA Tournament.
The Carolinas Emerge as New Population Boom States. Affordability and Lifestyle Drive Growth
Written by MIKE SCHNEIDER ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Move over Florida and Texas. The United States has new hot spots for growth, and they both have Carolina in their name. North Carolina last year attracted more new residents, 84,000 people, from other parts of the country than any other state, a title held by Texas in 2024 and Florida […]
Four-Term North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt, a Leader in Education Reform, Dies at 88
Former Gov. Jim Hunt, a towering figure in North Carolina politics in the late 20th century who helped leaders from both major parties strive for public education reform, died Thursday at the age of 88.
Chapel Hill Educator, Historian and UNC Statistician Freddie Kiger Inducted Into Order of Longleaf Pine
Members of the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club surprised Freddie Kiger with his induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine during its holiday party on Dec. 5.
North Carolina Gov. Stein Cancels Medicaid Rate Cuts Amid Legal and Legislative Battles
North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein is canceling Medicaid reimbursement rate reductions he initiated over two months ago, preserving in the short term access to care for vulnerable patients.
French Manufacturer Shares Plans to Relocate U.S. Operations to Hillsborough
Gov. Josh Stein’s office shared the French manufacturing company CITEL is planning on relocating its U.S. business to Hillsborough and will invest $12.5 million in the project.
Federal Judges Uphold Several North Carolina US House Districts Drawn by Republicans
Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Federal judges on Thursday upheld several U.S. House districts that North Carolina Republicans drew in 2023 that helped the GOP gain additional seats the following year. They rejected accusations the lines unlawfully fractured and packed Black voters to weaken their voting power. The order by three judges — […]
On the Porch: Dr. Jim Crawford - October News Roundup
This Week: Born into a blue collar and agricultural clan in rural Pennsylvania, Dr. Jim Crawford was the first in his family to graduate from college. Earning his PhD from the University of North Carolina, he taught US and World History at several universities in the piedmont North Carolina for several decades. He served as chairman of the Chatham County board of commissioners. He is a firm believer in American democracy and trusts that the constitution will hold firm now as it has in past crises despite the broken, distempered electorate. 
North Carolina Adopts New Trump-Backed US House Districts Aimed at Gaining a Republican Seat
Written by GARY D. ROBERTSON RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican legislative leaders completed their remapping of the state’s U.S. House districts on Wednesday, intent on picking up one more seat to help President Donald Trump’s efforts to retain GOP control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. The new boundaries approved by the […]
›