CHICAGO, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- A federal judge says Illinois officials must allow a non-profit organization to sell "Choose Life" license plates.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White opposed the plate, saying Choose Life Illinois Inc. would be using "a state forum for political speech," the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
U.S. District Judge David Coar has ruled against White, saying the plates are protected by the First Amendment.
A spokesman for White said the secretary of state's office will appeal the ruling. The newspaper said the secretary of state's office typically asks groups to first seek legislative approval and then secure 800 purchasers.
Choose Life says it is a "pro-adoption" group and that none of the charitable proceeds from the plates will support anti-abortion political activities, the Chicago Tribune reported.
