Federal Judge in New Orleans Blocks LA's "Choose Life" License Plates

Monroe, LA, News-Star ^ | 07-10-03 | Not given

[Theodore R.]

NEW ORLEANS - A federal judge has blocked the state from issuing specialty license plates, a victory for abortion-rights activists who challenged the Legislature's decision to allow an anti-abortion plate without authorizing one for the other view.

In a decision filed late Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Stanwood Duval said the plates, which show a cartoon of a pelican carrying a baby, constitute a public forum covered by free-speech rights.

[Theodore R.]

sold for $25 and raise money for diverse groups and causes including universities, wildlife conservation and the Girl Scouts.

The $25 could be used for the Girl Scouts, but do not the Girl Scouts support abortion on demand? I am not saying that they do, but I believe that the G.S. is more liberal than the Boy Scouts.

[Support Free Republic]

Any way I can talk you into making a donation?? Thanks if you will!

[goldstategop]

'Nother liberal judge says the state has to issue "pro-choice" license plates too. As though there will ever be a real market for them. LMAO! Apparently the real object of the judge's decision is to shut down the pro-life view, which is really all the pro-aborts care about. Liberal tolerance strikes again!

[MaxPlus305]

Having the state issue a plate based on a political view seems kind of sketchy, even if I do support that view. What if Vermont or California wants to issue rainbow GLAAD plates? I doubt most people in here would be OK with that.

[goldstategop]

I would be fine with it. I mean you can choose to buy these plates but you're NOT forced to. If a particular view offends you, stick with your regular license plates. I think the federal judge overlooked the fact people have a choice as to whether or not to buy special interest plates. What I imagine is even the pro-aborts agreed no one on their side had been coerced to get "choose life" license plates. So the judge's argument for shutting down the Louisiana special plates program never rested on free speech grounds. Besides freedom of speech doesn't mean you MUST say something, it simply ALLOWS you to express yourself as you please.

[Theodore R.]

This is OPTIONAL, not compulsory. That is the distinction. Let VT issue any kind of plates that it wishes. A few years ago, NH was forced to permit a man to actually paint over an objectional motto on his plates -- "Live Free or Die!" Undoubtedly, the man had rather be enslaved and live if push came to shove.

[PISANO]

The same group of people that say we can't allow CHOOSE LIFE on a license plate have no problem telling STUDENTS to email their elected officials and include in the email "KILL THE PRESIDENT" as an exercise in free speech that will bring the WRATH of the gestapo regime now in power down upon them. Sick puppies out there!

[CygnusXI]

.
So. Here in MN you can get a "Wildlife" plate, where the proceeds go to the DNR (dept of natural resources) I believe. It has a moose or some animal on it.

So.... we can display "choose life" for animals-- but not for humans?!?!?

When's that dang asteroid gonna hit already!

[CCCV]

"without authorizing one for the other view."

How many times have you seen a
"Support Ignorance" tag? i suppose that would be the "other view" for "Support Education"?

[Bob Buchholz]

Pretty simple. Just offer a CHOOSE DEATH plate.

[cpforlife.org]

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