On June 20, 2024, a police officer in Chapin, South Carolina approached Ernest Giardino and told him that he needed the city’s permission to continue what he was doing.

What was he doing?

For the past eight months, Ernie was sharing his faith with a sign on a public sidewalk without incident. And now, he's suddenly being forced by a city ordinance to apply for a permit to continue sharing his message.

And even worse, the ordinance dictates how and how long he is allowed to share his message of hope.

That’s not only wrong...It’s unconstitutional.

Watch First Liberty Senior Counsel Nate Kellum explain why Ernie is free to peacefully share his message and what First Liberty is doing to ensure that the residents of Chapin can freely display their faith.

Permit schemes like Chapin’s are not only viewed skeptically but are considered one of the most serious and least tolerable infringements on First Amendment rights.

It’s perfectly legal for people of faith to express that faith on a public sidewalk. Government officials cannot be allowed to use these types of permit schemes to silence religious expression.

That’s why First Liberty is standing with Ernie.

But to win, we need you to stand with Ernie too. It’s only through your generous support that we are able to fight back against overreaching government officials and protect public expressions of faith for all Americans.

And thanks to you, we do it without ever sending brave people of faith like Ernie a bill.

Will you help us protect public expressions of faith?

Yes, I will make a gift today!