FAYETTEVILLE, NC − August 5, 2015. In response to a letter sent by the Center for Religious Expression (CRE), the City of Fayetteville has agreed to no longer ban William Legg and a small group of friends from using lawn signs to express their pro-life views on a public sidewalk in front of a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Fayetteville.
On January 10, 2015, while sharing their message with passersby near the Fayetteville Health Center, a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic, Legg’s group was stopped by city officials who forced them to immediately cease using temporary lawn signs expressing pro-life views. Though lawn signs on a variety of topics are peppered throughout Fayetteville, Legg’s group was banned from using them, on threat of criminal fine.
Legg attempted to reason with the city informally, but to no avail. Legg then contacted CRE which sent a letter on his behalf to the City of Fayetteville. The letter emphasized that use of signs is a protected method of speech which the city cannot outright ban, especially when other similar signs are tolerated. Being reminded that recent Supreme Court precedent prohibits the kind of ban Fayetteville enforced, the City has agreed to let Legg continue his expression in the future without fear of criminal sanction.
“We are encouraged by the City’s recognition of Mr. Legg’s constitutional rights,” said CRE Chief Counsel Nate Kellum. “Just like anyone else, Mr. Legg should be allowed to share his message in a public place.”
