New York ( CNN ) -- Shannon Morgan identifies as an atheist and wants the world , or at least the car behind her , to know it . But the state of New Jersey says no . Morgan , of Leesburg , is suing the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for rejecting her request for a vanity license plate reading `` 8THEIST , '' according to a formal complaint filed Thursday with the district court . But the commission nixed her request , saying the message `` may carry connotations offensive to good taste and decency , '' according to the complaint . An Americans United for Separation of Church and State legal team is now helping her sue the commission claiming Morgan 's First Amendment rights were violated . `` The state of New Jersey is favoring religion while disparaging nonbelief , '' said the Rev . Barry W. Lynn , executive director of the group . `` It simply has no right to do that . '' Morgan claims that she was denied a license plate for `` 8THEIST '' but approved for one that read `` BAPTIST '' and that this `` expresses a preference for theistic religious beliefs , over non-theistic beliefs '' according to the complaint . This case is all too familiar to another New Jersey native , David Silverman , who had to petition for a vanity license plate announcing his atheistic views . After he was initially rejected for a plate reading , `` ATHE1ST , '' Silverman filed a formal complaint with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission . He says that within three days , a supervisor at the commission issued him the plate . `` The word 'atheist , ' in my opinion , is not objectionable , '' Silverman , who is president of American Atheists , told CNN . `` It 's not a bad word and should n't be regarded as a bad word . '' He takes issue with the process , saying that it 's problematic that atheists have to jump through hoops only to be denied , then have to appeal before their license plates get approved . Calls to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission were not immediately returned . Pastor tries atheism , loses jobs , gains $ 19,000 . Can atheist churches last ? Atheist gets her day at the Supreme Court .
Shannon Morgan requested a vanity license plate reading `` 8THEIST '' The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission rejected her request . Leader of atheist group : State is `` favoring religion while disparaging nonbelief '' Suit against the commission claims Morgan 's First Amendment rights were violated .