(CNSNews.com) - A petition supporting embryonic stem cell research has been removed from the publicly funded Web site of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, under pressure from a conservative legal group.

Last week, the Thomas More Law Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of pro-life groups, asking a federal court in Lansing to either ban the petition or allow pro-life groups to place their own petition supporting the ban on embryonic stem cell research on the Web site as well.

Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel of the Law Center, noted that the Web site in question "is paid for and owned by the people of this State; it is not Governor Granholm's personal property."

The complaint said the governor allowed only people who supported her position to use the Web site to petition lawmakers -- "a clear case of discrimination against citizens who are pro-life," Thompson said.

The law center sent a letter to Granholm last month, asking her to make room on the Web site for pro-life citizens who object to stem cell research that destroys human embryos.

But the governor's office did not respond, Thompson said. The resulting lawsuit seeks a declaration that Granholm's policy violated the constitutional rights of citizens who were denied equal access to, and use of, the Web site.

"This is a question of fundamental fairness," said Law Center spokesperson Mallary Hernly. "It is not about Governor Granholm voicing her opinion. It's about only allowing persons who agree with her position to use a publicly funded website to communicate with their legislative representatives."

Last October, Granholm urged the Michigan Legislature to pass two bills lifting restrictions on embryonic stem cell research in the state.

"Stem cell research holds the power to improve the lives of thousands of Michiganians," Granholm said in an Oct. 6, 2006 news release. She also touted the potential for such research to attract millions of dollars in business investment to the state.

Several months earlier, in July 2006, Granholm launched the online petition asking the state Legislature to ease stem cell research in Michigan.

"Join me by signing my online petition asking the Michigan Legislature to open the doors to medical research by passing the bills to lift the restrictions," Granholm urged Michigan citizens at the time.

The Thomas More Law Center describes its mission as defending and promoting the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities.

digg_skin = 'compact'