News Summary
A man from Chapin, South Carolina, is filing a lawsuit against the town after police demanded he obtain a permit to display a religious sign on public property. Ernest Giardino, who peacefully held a sign promoting his faith, argues that the town’s ordinance infringes on his First Amendment rights. The First Liberty Institute, representing Giardino, claims the ordinance is unconstitutional and seeks nominal damages. This case raises critical questions about the balance between free speech and local regulations regarding religious expression in public spaces.
Chapin, South Carolina – A South Carolina man is suing the Town of Chapin, alleging that his First Amendment rights were violated when he was asked by police to obtain a permit to display a religious sign on public property. The incident involving Ernest Giardino occurred on June 20, 2024, at the intersection of Old Lexington Road and Chapin Road, where he held a sign that read “Trust Christ, He paid the price” on one side and “He Saved Others—Jesus—He’ll Save You” on the reverse.
According to reports, Giardino was standing quietly without using any amplification when a police officer approached him, insistent that he needed a permit to display the sign. Giardino was informed that the town’s Ordinance 14.1001, which governs parades, demonstrations, and picketing, mandated this requirement. The ordinance stipulates specific conditions for displaying signs on public property, including a time limit of 30 minutes per location and a requirement to relocate every 15 minutes.
The First Liberty Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting religious freedom, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of Chapin on Giardino’s behalf. The lawsuit contends that the ordinance is unconstitutional, particularly when it comes to individuals or small groups peacefully expressing their religious beliefs in public spaces. In addition to seeking a formal declaration of the ordinance’s unconstitutionality, Giardino is also pursuing nominal damages of $1.00 for the alleged infringement of his constitutional rights.
Prior to the incident, it is reported that Giardino had displayed similar religious signs in Chapin without any previous issues for approximately eight months. The First Liberty Institute argues that the restrictions imposed by the town on Giardino’s peaceful expression of faith are excessive and infringe on his First Amendment rights. The institute’s senior counsel stressed that the First Amendment should be sufficient as the only necessary permit for public religious expression.
In response to the legal actions, Chapin Town Administrator Nicholle Burroughs stated that the permitting process is intended to ensure a balance between free speech rights and the overall functionality of public spaces. She emphasized that all demonstrations, regardless of their content, must adhere to local ordinances. However, the specifics of how the ordinance affects religious expression, particularly in light of the First Amendment, are being called into question through this legal challenge.
The lawsuit and the concerns regarding the ordinance were formally raised by First Liberty back in October 2024. Since then, the Town of Chapin has not provided immediate commentary regarding the legal proceedings or the implications of the case on the regulation of free speech in public areas.
This case highlights ongoing debates surrounding the application of local laws in relation to constitutional rights, particularly in contexts involving religious expression and public demonstrations. As the lawsuit progresses, it may set important precedents for how similar cases are handled across the state and potentially beyond.
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Additional Resources
- WACH: Trust Christ Sign Legal Fight
- Wikipedia: First Amendment to the United States Constitution
- The State: Local News Article
- Google Search: First Liberty Institute
- Post and Courier: Free Speech in Chapin, SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Free Speech
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