Tagged: free speech

The holidays may be over, but a Denham Springs woman wants to keep her unusual light display on her roof, showing an extended middle finger to her neighbors.

A federal judge heard testimony Monday about whether Sarah Childs should be granted an injunction, barring the city of Denham Springs and police from requiring her to remove the display. The hearing will continue next week.

A federal judge has set an Oct. 1 hearing for a city ordinance restricting religious or political speech on Bourbon Street after dark.

The Times-Picayune reports that U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon issued a temporary restraining order on Friday that blocks enforcement of the law for now.

Under the law, Christian evangelists were arrested earlier this month for preaching on Bourbon Street during Southern Decadence, an annual celebration of gay culture.

A street preacher is suing to block New Orleans city officials from enforcing an ordinance that restricts religious or political speech on Bourbon Street after dark.

The federal lawsuit filed Thursday by New Orleans pastor Paul Gros claims the city's "aggressive solicitation" ordinance sets unconstitutional limits on free speech. Gros says a police officer threatened him with arrest in May while he was preaching on Bourbon Street with his wife, another pastor and a friend.

A federal judge has struck down a central Louisiana ordinance banning fortunetelling, palm reading, astrology and similar activities in the city of Alexandria.

U.S. District Judge Dee Drell's ruling Wednesday concurs with a magistrate's conclusion that the ordinance is unconstitutional.

Rachel Adams is a fortune-teller who says she accepts donations but doesn't charge for her services. She sued the city after a police officer issued her a court summons in 2011 for violating the ordinance. A violation can result in daily penalties of up to $500.