Recently, the lower steps of the eastern entrances to the U.S. Capitol were the subject of a legal matter.
A pastor wanted to use those steps to pray, but he was being blocked.
The court ruled in his favor, stating that the lower steps of the Capitol are an open forum for free speech, including prayer.
Free Speech Wins Again
Chief Judge Hames Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a 28-page ruling, giving Reverand Patrick Mahoney the nod.
This all started back in 2021 when Mahoney wanted to hold a prayer vigil at the Capitol.
Because the event was going to be more than 20 people, and he was not a member of Congress, he was required to file for a permit.
The Capitol Police refused the permit, however, citing security concerns.
This started a series of legal challenges, with Mahoney citing examples of the Capitol Police approving other large groups for the same area where he wanted to hold his vigil.
Among those groups was a 300-person rally for the American Conservative Union.
Rep. Cory Bush (D-MO) had also held a large demonstration to urge Biden to extend the residential eviction moratorium.
The ruling stated, “Like the sidewalks immediately next to them, the steps are continually open, often uncongested, and a place where people may enjoy the open air or the company of friends and neighbors.
“More importantly, these steps and others like them have historically been used for purposes of assembly and discussing public questions.
“In light of all this, the Court ultimately agrees with Plaintiff that at least the lower portion of the Eastern Steps on which he wishes to demonstrate are the kind of public property that has been historically associated with the exercise of First Amendment rights.”
This is a rather significant win, which was celebrated by the Center for American Liberty, a nonprofit that was backing Rev. Mahoney’s case.
The organization stated, “Today’s ruling from the court smashes that stranglehold, ensuring that every American—regardless of whether they have a member of Congress in their pocket—can exercise their right to free speech on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.
“Today is a new day for demonstrations and free expression on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.”
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Author: G. McConway
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