Attorneys from the Alliance Defense Fund last week filed a suit on behalf of a pro-life group, Defend Life, against the City of Westminster contending that the city violated the group’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
The disagreement is over a planned demonstration on July 30, 2008, by Defend Life as part of its “Face the Truth” tour to spread a pro-life message.
Defend Life is a non-profit, pro-life organization based in Baltimore. The group is seeking to get the city to change the wording of its ordinance regarding demonstrations, and also any damages prescribed by the court.
According to a copy of the lawsuit, filed Thursday, Oct. 23 in the District Court of Maryland, Elizabeth Walsh of Owings Mills, director of Defend Life’s tour, said the Westminster Police Department told the organization they would have to have permits from the city, State Highway Administration and permission of a shopping center located near the intersection of Route 140 and Englar Road in order to stage a demonstration.
However, the lawsuit contends that the SHA does not require such a permit, and the city did not grant the group a permit.
Defend Life says the requirements “chilled” the group’s free speech and equal protection rights.
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Read the rest of Mr. Schelle’s article here: Group files free speech lawsuit against Westminster by Charles Schelle
20081027 Group files free speech lawsuit against Westminster Schelle
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