ACLU Defends Christian Who Distributed Religious Pamphlets Outside of Arena

[rug]

April 15, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 212-549-2666, [e-mail]

LINCOLN, Neb. - Today the ACLU of Nebraska said that Larry Ball was exercising his First Amendment rights when distributing religious pamphlets outside of the Pinnacle Bank Arena in March. In documents filed on behalf of Ball, the ACLU asks for charges to be dismissed. Ball was charged with trespassing.

"Christians and individuals of every faith or view point have the right to express their views in the public square," said ACLU of Nebraska Legal Director Amy Miller. "Mr. Ball was peacefully handing out religious materials, the very kind of speech which our Constitution was written to protect. The City, by arresting Mr. Ball and charging him with trespassing, has blatantly violated his rights."

Larry Ball is a 76 year old Navy Veteran and father of four who says becoming a Christian four decades ago saved his life and marriage. He share the story that he credits to saving his life with others by producing pamphlets that he distributes in public areas.

"I was told by the Lincoln Police that the arena was managed by a private agency and I was trespassing," said Ball, "I was then arrested. I’ve been sharing the story of my faith with others on public property for decades. Being told that I couldn't talk about my faith in this way is both offensive and it was illegal to force me to stop."

https://www.aclu.org/religion-belief/aclu-defends-christian-who-distributed-religious-pamphlets-outside-arena

[Politicalboi]

1. Fine, but when it becomes litter

Fine this asshole for EVERY pamphlet thrown to the ground he doesn't pick up.

[rug]

2. That's a really stupid and illiberal handle on this.

[Kilgore]

3. But only if

they fine all the othe pamphlet "passer-outers" for the same thing.

I applaud the ACLU for defending everyone's right of free speach, even of those we totally disagree with.

Kilgore

[JimDandy]

4. +1

[Brettongarcia]

6. This should demonstrate that the ACLU is not biased toward liberal causes; it really is about rights

For everyone.

[LiberalFighter]

5. Taxpayer money is involved.

"The idea that taxpayers approved funding for the arena, appointed public officials to oversee the arena, but have no free speech rights because the city hired a private company to manage the space is disrespectful to the taxpayers of Lincoln," said Miller. "The sidewalk in front of the arena is clearly public land, no matter which entity gets the paycheck for maintaining the space."

[goldent]

7. Excellent point!

I'm not necessarily opposed to sports clubs getting money for arenas, etc, but when they do it should be made very clear that it is a public space.