MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin - December 4, 2009 - A U.S. Appeals Court says the Milwaukee County sheriff was wrong to invite a Christian group to speak at meetings that were mandatory for certain deputies.

The judges on Friday discounted arguments that Sheriff David Clarke Jr. had to allow the speakers because he also permitted speakers from black and Latino law-enforcement support groups.

The court says Clarke's actions presented the appearance of endorsing a particular religious view.

Clarke didn't immediately return a telephone message Friday.

The judgment upholds a lower court ruling that awarded the two plaintiffs nearly $39,000 in attorneys' fees. The plaintiffs were Muslim and Catholic deputies.

The Christian group talked to officers in 2006 about the effect Jesus could have on their lives.