“Freedom of speech includes pro-life speech,” said AUL’s Dr. Charmaine Yoest.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (07-10-12) — Americans United for Life’s legal team filed an amicus curiae brief in the Second Circuit case Children First Foundation v. Fiala, arguing that the state of New York discriminated against the pro-life viewpoint when it refused to issue a “Choose Life” license plate supporting the work of pregnancy care centers. AUL filed the brief on behalf of local pregnancy centers in New York, as well as the national organizations Care Net, Heartbeat International, and National Institute of Family and Life Advocates.
“Freedom of speech includes pro-life speech,” said AUL President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest. “Across the country, pregnancy care centers are recognized for the life-affirming help they give to pregnant women and mothers. Allowing residents to obtain ‘Choose Life’ license plates—with the proceeds directed toward pregnancy care centers—means that even more women can be helped.
The case was filed by the organization Children First Foundation after its application for a “Choose Life” license plate was denied. Children First Foundation had met all the requirements necessary for obtaining such a plate, but the state denied the application based on the pro-life message on the plate.
AUL’s brief can be found here. Currently, “Choose Life” plates are available in 27 states, with plates pending in two additional states.
