Preacher Challenging NC City's Permit Requirement

In Hendersonville, North Carolina, a street preacher-- Billy Ball-- is challenging the city's ordinance that requires a permit from the police before delivering any speech or sermon, or demonstrating, on any city street, sidewalk or public grounds. The ordinance provides that a permit maybe revoked where "the good morals, safety and public order of the city so demand." Yesterday's Hendersonville News says that Ball claims his First Amendment rights are violated by having to obtain a permit from the police chief. The preacher has been cited twice for violating the ordinance. His most recent citation was for his carrying a sign reading: "Three gays rights: AIDS, hell, salvation." Ball plans to return with 20 demonstrators to again challenge the legality of the city's rule. Police Chief Donnie Parks' response is to quote back to Ball a Biblical verse (Romans 13:1) saying that everyone should submit to the governing authorities.