Court Denies Emergency Relief for Navy Veteran in Free Speech Case
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
Stay Informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The Latest in Free Speech
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About Free Speech

Protecting free speech means protecting a free press, the democratic process, diversity of thought, and so much more. The ACLU has worked since 1920 to ensure that freedom of speech is protected for everyone.