Signs that read “Florence man” were created by a Florida man. “In God We Trust” in response to a Texas law SB-797, which requires public schools to display donated signs containing the phrase “In God We Trust”And “may not depict any words, images, or other information other than [that].”
Chaz Stevens created the GoFundMePage this week, as he noted on the crowdfunding website. “law seemingly presumes these signs are written in English. Oopsie.”
The Senate approved SB-797 last year. Dallas ObserverIt should be noted that “He penned the legislation with strict requirements but seemingly overlooked a large loophole.”
“Senator Bryan Hughes seems to confuse ‘words’ with language. Looks like a Florida political mischief maker is charged with schooling him up,”Stevens spoke with Inside Edition Digital via email.
Stevens took to Twitter for his announcement and showed off the Arabic signs.
Stevens stated to Inside Edition Digital that even though he was in Florida, he felt the need to take action because “sometimes an act of stupidity requires an even greater act of stupidity.”
“Well, like the Ghostbusters, who you gonna call? Why, Chaz Stevens of course,”He concluded. “I’ve got decades of experience, so trolling the Texas legislature who themselves are trolling the First Amendment is right up my alley.”
Stevens informs Inside Edition Digital that he raised more than $31,000 via his GoFundMe account to reach his $250,000 goal.
“Seems to me, John and Jane Q. Public aren’t very happy with the Texas GOP. And interestingly, contributions are not limited to the Lone Star State,”He spoke of the total amount raised in less than one week. “Judging by the positive outcry, seems as if I have my finger on the pulse of Texas, all while the State of Texas has it thumb, well, you know where.”
Stevens said that he’s not doing anything offensive. He is just doing “exactly what the law requires”In creating signs that read “In God We Trust,” in Arabic.
“If somehow someone is bothered by that phrase in Klingon, well then maybe he or she needs to take a break and think about themselves for just one minute. I’m happy to wait,”He concluded.
Stevens plans to create signs in Hindi and Vulcan as well as Spanish, along with other language signs, including LGBTQIA+ inclusion. “just merely using the Texas law as it was intended. Or perhaps, as it was unintended,”He spoke to Inside Edition Digital.
Stevens told Inside Edition Digital that the project was successful despite it raising awareness. “indeed [good fun] but it’s also silly.”
Then he said that he might be viewed as doing something else. “tragic, as we’re allowing our elected officials to dilute the very American essence of this country’s history. Pretty soon, all we’ll have left is just an easily replaceable piece of red/white/blue cloth with no meaning or value behind its existence.”
Inside Edition Digital reached out for comment from Senator Hughes but has not heard back.