Updated

A federal judge in Indiana has upheld the nation's largest school voucher law and rejected opponents' arguments the measure unconstitutionally uses taxpayer money to support religion.

Marion Superior Court Judge Michael Keele's ruling Friday says the School Choice Scholarship program doesn't violate the state constitution because Indiana isn't directly funding parochial schools. It instead gives scholarship vouchers to parents who can choose where to use them.

Indiana State Teachers Association President Nate Schnellenberger says opponents will appeal.

Institute for Justice attorney Bert Gall calls the ruling a major victory for parents and students. He represented two parents in the lawsuit.

The Indiana attorney general's office had no immediate comment.

About 4,000 children are enrolled in Indiana's voucher program.