The city of Boston violated First Amendment.
On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Boston violated the First Amendment when it said a local organization could not fly a Christian flag in front of City Hall.
Justice Stephen Breyer delivered the court’s opinion. He said that Boston “violated the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment” by not allowing Camp Constitution to fly their flag. That organization says its goal is “to enhance the understanding of our Judeo-Christian national heritage.” Boston had denied the group raising a flag at City Hall “based on religious viewpoints.”
If the city flies flags to communicate its own message, it is immune from free speech violation claims. But if it creates an open forum, Boston cannot discriminate based on different perspectives, the court ruled.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- With gratitude for the justices of the Supreme Court upholding First Amendment protections.
- For federal, state, and local officials as they determine how to comply with the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
- For Justice Breyer as he closes out his Supreme Court tenure.
Sources: Axios, Public Policy
