The stock shifter has the safety button but I'd like to get an aftermarket one. Does it require the safety or is that something that can be disabled?

 

That button is there for a reason. It keeps the shifter in one position.
Imagine going down the road at 55, grabbing your soda out of the cup holder, you hit a big pothole and your hand flys forward. All of a sudden your trans is going bang and parts are laying on the ground cause your hand slapped the shifter into reverse or park, or you park on a hill and your child pulls on the shifter and suddenly your jeep and child are rolling away down hill without you and possibly into traffic.

Still think it's wise to remove that little button???

 

Have you seen this http://www.radesignsproducts.com/RockShifter.html