The overlords of Carbondale, Illinois seem to run their city like East Berlin.
With the help of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), one pro-life resident may take legal action, after he was threatened with criminal charges for holding up signs in a public area near an abortion business.
Brandon, a sidewalk counselor and founder of Gospel for Life was standing peacefully outside his local baby killing center on April 16, when the city’s thought police, under the direction from their attorney, demanded he remove his signs.
Why? Because they stated super offensive things, like “Please don’t abort your baby” and “Free baby supplies,” in an effort to convince desperate mothers to seek options other than putting down their unborn children.
It would seem that apparently violates some sign ordinance, according to the officer who approached Brandon. The ACLJ says the Constitution claims otherwise.
Brandon responded that he had the right to constitutionally protected speech, to which the officer reportedly snapped “No, you don’t.”
The authorities called for backup, threatening their pro-life subject with citation and criminal charges.
“Let’s be clear,” wrote the ACLJ in a response.
“The First Amendment protects the right to speak out in public spaces – especially on matters of public concern.”
The center noted multiple courts “have consistently struck down vague ordinances and arbitrary enforcement,” that “chill” that fundamental right,” calling Carbondale’s actions “not only unconstitutional,” but “dangerous.”
If the thought police refuse to correct course immediately, Brandon’s lawyers are promising to sue.
If the thought police refuse to correct course immediately, Brandon’s lawyers promise to sue.
