A new formulation of equal-length asymmetric parallel coupled line (APCLs) having zero at z=-1 (θ = π) is employed to study band-stop filters. Such representations offer additional flexibility in the design of filter circuits through two extra variables. An optimization algorithm is used to tune the characteristic impedances of APCLs so that the transfer function of the signal line is close to the system function of an ideal prototype filter. Two band-stop filters are realized in the form of microstrip lines and their frequency responses are measured to validate this new formulation.