John,
Great news! The Center for American Liberty helped notch another victory for
the First Amendment.
On Wednesday, we filed an Amicus brief, in support of religious liberty and
free speech, at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
And already, the court ruled, and our side won!
You see, this case started when Baltimore city officials claimed that a
planned prayer rally could not be held at a public pavilion because
“controversial figures” may be in attendance and that Baltimore residents would
respond to their presence with violence.
It’s patently ABSURD that city officials believe that the right to peacefully
assemble and worship can be destroyed by the government just because violent
left-wingers may try to stop it.
What makes all of this even worse is that city officials also said that
secular speech would be permitted.
It’s clear that they’ve invented a double standard to discriminate against
religious events!
Of course, the Constitution doesn’t permit government officials to exercise
unbridled discretion in censoring speech they disagree with...
...Even if it might upset some angry leftists!
In fact, it’s well established that the Constitution forbids censorship on the
basis of viewpoint.
THE POINT OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT IS TO PROTECT SPEECH, EVEN IF OTHER PEOPLE
DON’T LIKE IT!
In past cases, courts have ruled against this type of censorship. Banning
certain speech out of fear over a community’s reaction is called a “heckler’s
veto.” And it has been ruled unconstitutional-FULL STOP.
However, the city of Baltimore didn’t care. They used the heckler’s veto even
though they knew it was unconstitutional.
But now, this ruling from the Court of Appeals will force Baltimore officials
to stop discriminating against prayer.
As we’ve seen over the last two years of COVID restrictions, free speech
rights and religious liberties are under intense assault.
… But thanks to your support, we are able to stand in the gap and immediately
respond.
John, I’ll promise you this – we're not slowing down. Not for one second!
Whether it’s a lawsuit we filed or ones that we support with amicus briefs,
we’re ready to go to the mat for your rights.
We are going to use this momentum and tirelessly pursue case after case of
government encroachment upon your rights.
I hope you’ll continue to stand with us.
Sincerely,
Harmeet K. Dhillon
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