Choosy License Plates

What is probably Arkansas` most controversial license plate was made available to the public Friday. The state`s first "Choose Life" plates went on sale, even after the Attorney General`s office released an opinion that the plates are unconstitutional. Attorney General Mike Beebe says the plates violate free speech, due process and equal protection because they are authorized by the legislature. He says the create a forum only available to those with viewpoints approved by the state. "We`re really thrilled now there`s gonna be a source of funding for women, who`re pregnant and want to place their children for adoption," said Rose Mimms, Right to Life. Mimms says the revenue from the plates goes towards assisting women who want to give their children for adoption, and helping qualifying adoption organizations. But some pro-choice supporters who disagree with the plates say adding a pro-life plate would not fix what they see as a problem. "I don`t think either pro-choice or pro-life should have a license plate as an avenue by which to express their opinion," says Bettina Brownstein, pro-choice supporter. The American Civil Liberties Union says they are researching whether or not to file a lawsuit over the statute. They say it is inappropriate for the state to pick one political message over the other, and that it`s a violation of the First Amendment free speech rights. Rita Sklar says the ACLU would object just as strongly if the plates were pro-choice.