CBS Atlanta reports that Cyrus Gilbert had applied for several plates, including 4GAYLIB, GAYPWR and GAYGUY. By denying his requests, Mr Gilbert claims the state has violated his rights.
Gay rights
‘You drive down the road and you see the whole Mrs so and so or Mr so and so or someone's favorite team of some sort and I thought, 'that's kind of cool',’ Mr Gilbert said. ‘In some small way I feel it would be something for me to be kind of proud of who I am and be a supporter of gay rights, gay and lesbian rights and the community that I live in.’
After his requests were denied, Mr Gilbert hired lawyer Cynthia Counts - of local law firm Law Counts – and sued the state.
State interest
‘It's a forum for speech and the government provides it. They can't restrict speech unless there's a compelling state interest, certainly a legitimate state interest, and here I see no interest at all,’ Ms Counts said.
In a statement, the DDS said it plays no role in the issuance of personalised plates, placing the blame at the feet of the Department of Revenue and the Attorney General's office, who declined to comment due to the pending litigation.
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