In a case with clear free speech implications, Wayne County prosecutors and Dearborn police say a controversial pastor must pay security costs of over $46,000 before being permitted to rally in front of the largest mosque in the United States this week.

Today, the ACLU of Michigan filed an Amicus brief in support of protester's First Amendment rights.

from the ACLU of Michigan's brief:

"The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan (ACLU) vehemently disagrees with the content of Pastor Jones’ and Mr. Sapp’s speech. However, if the First Amendment has any meaning, it is that the government cannot suppress the free speech because it – or anyone else – disagrees with the speech. 

"As the Supreme Court recently held, '[i]f there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable. Indeed, the point of all speech protection ... is to shield just those choices of content that in someone's eyes are misguided, or even hurtful.'

"Because these important constitutional concerns have not been adequately raised during the process of these proceedings, we feel it is crucial to provide the court with analysis." ...read more.

Key News and Documents

► Document | Read the ACLU of Michigan's Amicus Brief

► More Info | Learn more about our defense of free speech

Learn more about issues you care about and take action: become a member, subscribe to our email action alerts, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

Stay informed