Does the State of Louisiana have the power to decide who may arrange and sell flowers and who may not? A recent federal lawsuit filed by the Institute for Justice argues that it does not.

The lawsuit is based on the fact that one of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans is the ability to earn an honest living in the occupation of our choice without arbitrary government interference. If Louisiana can license a harmless occupation like floristry, there is no limit to what it can license or to the burdens it can impose on honest, productive livelihoods.

But this case is about much more than just florists in Louisiana. This case is about setting a national precedent that will stop the government from licensing harmless occupations.

The U.S. Constitution protects every American's right to earn an honest living in the occupation of their choice and prohibits the government from erecting barriers to entrepreneurship that are arbitrary or do nothing more than keep entrepreneurs from competing with existing businesses.

Tim Keller will discuss the cases he and his colleagues at the Institute for Justice have litigated around the country in an effort to protect and expand economic liberty. Join us for this special luncheon!

DATE: May 21, 2010 TIME: 12:30 p.m. LOCATION: Camelot Club, 451 Florida Street, 21st Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 COST: $25 for lunch RSVP to info@pelicaninstitute.org