US Cities Face First Amendment Disputes Over Demonstration and Word Bans

First Amendment Charleston ordinance Los Angeles word ban municipal speech restrictions litigation threat

In Charleston, South Carolina, two freshman city council members have called for a review of a 2021 First Amendment ordinance that requires permits for gatherings of 25 or more people and imposes location and signage restrictions on demonstrations. Councilwoman Leslie Skardon and Councilman Aaron Polkey, who were not on the council when the ordinance was adopted, said the rule should be examined and updated for today’s circumstances, and a public protest of the ordinance is being organized.

In Los Angeles, California, the city council adopted Council Rule 7, a ban on speakers using the racial slur “N‑word” and the obscene term “C‑word” at council and committee meetings. First Amendment organizations, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and the First Amendment Coalition, have threatened litigation unless the council rescinds the ban. They are representing resident Stacey Segarra‑Bohlinger, who was barred from speaking under the rule and plans to file suit if the ban is not repealed within 30 days.

Sources

First Amendment Groups Threaten Litigation Over LA Council’s Word Ban on Speakers [mynewsla.com]

10 days ago

2 Charleston council members want review of controversial ordinance [charlestoncitypaper.com]

11 days ago