A Pennsylvania filmmaker sued the state on Wednesday for turning down his business’s name, I Choose Hell Productions, because state law prohibits names that “constitute blasphemy, profane cursing or swearing or that profane the Lord’s name.”

The filmmaker, George Kalman, contends his free speech rights were violated, as was his right to freedom against the establishment of religion.

“It struck me when I saw it that the statute seemed like it was from another era,” said Thomas H. Lee II, who is handling Mr. Kalman’s lawsuit for the American Civil Liberties Union.

A spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of State said it had not been served papers and had no comment.