U.S. Supreme Court May be Next Stop for Illinois 'Choose Life' Specialty License Plates
by Staff
November 13, 2008
MEDIA ADVISORY, (christiansunite.com) -- The following is a statement from Thomas Brejcha regarding today's decision by federal appeals court that the Illinois Secretary of State's offices does not have to issue specialty license plates bearing the slogan "Choose Life":We are very disappointed that the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago has reversed the decision handed down on January 22, 2007, by U.S. District Court Judge David Coar. Coar affirmed that Illinois violated the First Amendment rights of more than 25,000 Illinois citizens who signed petitions for Illinois' approval and issuance of 'Choose Life' specialty license plates. Proceeds were to be dedicated to funding adoptions throughout Illinois.
Illinois has approved an entire variety of other specialty plates for pet friendly, pro-organ donation, environmental issues and peace birds. No one ever sought approval or issuance of a "Pro-Choice" plate; we would have no objection to such a plate if sufficient persons signed petitions for it.
The court's decision today is in direct conflict with decisions of many other federal appellate and trial courts. We intend to ask for a rehearing, and failing that rehearing, we will pursue a review of the decision before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Thomas Brejcha is president and chief counsel at Chicago's Thomas More Society, a public interest law firm representing the non-profit group, Choose Life Illinois, Inc., which is advocating for these specialty plates. www.thomasmoresociety.org.
