Court Denies Emergency Relief for Navy Veteran in Free Speech Case

Affiliate: ACLU of Nebraska
April 15, 2015 3:30 pm

ACLU Affiliate
ACLU of Nebraska
Media Contact
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LINCOLN, Neb – Today a Federal District Court judge declined to grant emergency relief in regards to the City of Lincoln’s controversial free speech policy. As a result, our client, Larry Ball a 77 year old Navy Veteran and other citizens will face continued risk of criminal prosecution if they engage in free speech activities at the Pinnacle Bank Arena while the case proceeds.

Statement from Danielle Conrad, Executive Director

We are disappointed the court failed to grant emergency relief to our client. As a result, he and other citizens will face continued risk of criminal prosecution if they engage in peaceful free speech activities in the public space surrounding the Pinnacle Bank Arena. We will continue to fight for our client’s rights as the case proceeds to a decision on the merits. We also renew our call to Mayor Beutler that he enter into meaningful negotiations to settle this matter and save taxpayer dollars from defending a controversial policy that has real and chilling effects on free speech rights and religious freedom.

For a copy of the order: http://aclunebraska.org/images/attachments/230_Order%20denying%20TRO.pdf

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