LifeSiteNews.com Life, Family and Culture News

Email: "Pro-Lifers Appeal to Gov. Christie to Intervene on Behalf of ‘Choose Life’ Plates"

Your Email:

Your Name:

Send To Email:

Subject:

Message:
BY LifeSiteNews.com By James Tillman TRENTON, New Jersey, August 10, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com)—The Children First Foundation (CFF) has appealed to pro-life Governor Chris Christie to intervene to get the "Choose Life" license plate approved by the state of New Jersey. "We are asking Gov. Christie to ask his new [Motor Vehicle Commission] chief administrator, Ray Martinez, to approve our plate without further delay,” said CFF President Elizabeth Rex. The Children's CFF first submitted an application for a "Choose Life" license plate in January of 2003.  The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) initially approved the plate, but later reversed its decision on the grounds that the words "Choose Life" were too controversial. In May of 2004, attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund, a Christian legal group, filed suit on grounds of a violation of the First Amendment through "viewpoint discrimination," or the unfair censorship of speech because of its content, not because of its type.  US District Judge Joel Pisano dismissed the group's lawsuit in 2008, but the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals reversed his decision in April of this year. The case is still in litigation. The proposed license plate is similar to the "Choose Life" license plates in other states: it features a drawing of a girl and a boy, with the message "Choose Life" beneath them. MVC head Ray Martinez rejected a similar plate when he was head of New York's Department of Motor Vehicles.  At that time, his refusal also prompted a lawsuit from the CFF. Proceeds from the sale of the plate would fund crisis pregnancy centers; according to its mission statement, the CFF exists to promote and support adoption as a choice for women with unwanted pregnancies. Sales of the plate would also raise money for the state, according to Rex, and help resolve the chronic budgetary shortfalls that Gov. Christie has been attempting to rectify. "These plates do make money for the state without raising taxes or cutting spending,” said Rex.  Michael Drewniak, spokesman for Gov. Christie, said that the administration is reviewing Rex's request. "This is a matter that has been in litigation since the McGreevey administration initially denied the application. MVC is currently reviewing all aspects of the application in the context of the pending litigation," Drewniak said. New Jersey has allowed plates meant to help conservation efforts, the fight against cancer, the fight against heart and lung disease, and similar causes. All such "dedicated" plates meant to benefit certain causes, however, must be established by the state Legislature.  Two Republican senators introduced a bill to create a "dedicated" "Choose Life" plate last May, but it has made no progress since. As a charitable 501(c)(3), the CFF wishes to have its proposed license plato adopted as an organizational plate, which does not require legislative action. The "Choose Life" License Plate has been approved in 25 states so far.  About half a million plates have been purchased or renewed nationwide, raising over $11 million for pro-life agencies throughout the country. See related stories on LifeSiteNew.com: Gov. Christie Vetoes Millions to Planned Parenthood http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/jul/10072606.html http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pro-lifers-appeal-to-gov-christie-to-intervene-on-behalf-of-choose-life-pla/

Please enter the word you see in the image below: