Georgia bans license plates with guns, sex, hate

ATLANTA (AP) Georgia has unveiled new rules banning references to guns, drugs and alcohol on personalized license plates.

The new rules, which won't become final until after July 9, also ban profanity, any references to sex, items subject to trademark or copyright; references to crimes and all variations of the word ``hate.''

The rules were developed after a lawsuit by a motorist. James Cyrus Gilbert had requested a tag spelling out GAYGUY, which was denied under the old rules.

The new "emergency" rules are supposed to clarify things. However, state officials on Wednesday would not address specific examples of words that would pass or fail under the new rules.

The rules also ban slurs on religious beliefs or beings, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.