Dear John,

I have a shocking update on one of the most recent First Amendment defense cases we’ve taken on.

Last month, the Center for American Liberty filed a lawsuit after a Massachusetts judge attempted to silence peaceful protesters outside the Norfolk Superior Courthouse by legislating an unconstitutional “Buffer Zone” from the bench.

The judge’s speech suppression policy banned all demonstrations and expression within 200 feet of the courthouse — no matter how quiet, respectful, or lawful their speech was.

It also banned the press from reporting outside the courthouse.

We challenged it in federal court. And just days ago, the First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in our favor — affirming that individuals have a right to engage in peaceful expression on public property near the courthouse, so long as it does not interfere with proceedings or participant access.

A win for the First Amendment, right?

Not so fast.

Meet Jason Grant. We represent him in this case.

This morning, Jason attempted to peacefully protest outside the courthouse. He had an American flag in one hand and a Bible verse in the other. He was clearly within his rights, exactly as the Court of Appeals just ruled — but Massachusetts State Police blocked him anyway.

In clear defiance of the appellate court’s order, law enforcement refused to let him stand where the court said he had every right to be…

…and the officer said it was because Jason had a Bible verse on his poster.

Yes, you read that correctly, Massachusetts State Police denied Jason access to a public sidewalk because he was holding a poster with a Bible verse on it—2 Corinthians 3:17 to be exact.

Let me be clear: this is unlawful, unconstitutional, and unacceptable.

The Center for American Liberty is now moving quickly to hold these officials accountable. Because if the state can simply ignore court rulings and shut down speech they don’t like, the rule of law is meaningless.

As our lead attorney, and my co-counsel, on the case Marc Randazza told Fox News:

“The First Amendment is back from vacation in Massachusetts…
This Buffer Zone was a euphemism for censorship. You don’t get to sanitize public spaces of uncomfortable opinions just because someone in a robe doesn't like what they hear on their way to work.”

This isn’t just about one courthouse or one protest — it’s about whether the government can declare entire areas of public property off-limits to speech it finds inconvenient.

And with your help, we’re going to make sure they can’t.

Thank you for standing with us — and with the Constitution.

Sincerely,

P.S. We’re not going to let Massachusetts officials defy the Constitution or the courts. If you believe in the First Amendment and the right to peaceful public expression, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to support our fight.

The Center For American Liberty is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization fighting against growing anti-free speech and anti-civil liberties trends.

© The Center for American Liberty | www.libertycenter.org

PO Box 200942, Pittsburgh, PA 15251

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