ATLANTA (AP) – Georgia’s highest court has let stand a ruling that the free speech rights of a Ku Klux Klan group were violated when the state denied the organization’s request to participate in a highway cleanup program.

In a unanimous decision announced Tuesday, the Georgia Supreme Court dismissed the state’s appeal on a technicality. Court officials say the Georgia Department of Transportation failed to follow correct procedures in filing its appeal.

The north Georgia KKK group sued after the state denied its application to participate in Georgia’s “Adopt-A-Highway” roadside cleanup program.

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation sued on the KKK’s behalf, saying its free speech rights were violated.

Attorney general’s office spokesman Nicholas Genesi says the state is considering its options.