Anti Abortion Group Says SA Must Learn 'The Hard Way' How First Amendment Works

Posted Monday, October 27th 2014 @ 4pm

The anti abortion group that was denied the right to display photos of aborted fetuses on a 'Jumbotron' at Alamo Plaza last week is hinting again that a lawsuit against the city may be in the works, Newsradio 1200 WOAI reports.

"The First Amendment was adopted by our founder to protect offensive or disturbing speech, because popular speech needs no protection," said Mark Harrington, Director of the Ohio based pro life group 'Created Equal.' "Unfortunately, this is something the City of san Anto0nio is going to have to learn the hard way."

Created Equal was granted a permit to hold a rally in Alamo Plaza, but was denied the use of the Jumbotron under a never before enforced city ordinance that prohibits the use of 'electronic devices' in historic areas.

"What better way to honor the men who died fighting for Texas independence from Mexico than to protect the rights of all Americans to express themselves regardless of viewpoint," Harrington said.

He said his group was the victim of 'viewpoint discrimination,' which the courts have said is a violation of the first amendment.

"Arbitrary enforcement of city codes to chill free speech is a classic case of governmental content-based discrimination," he said.

Created Equal cancelled the rally, but did hold a march through downtown.

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Anti Abortion Group Says SA Must Learn 'The Hard Way' How First Amendment Works