Suit Challenges NC Parks Permit Rule

On Monday, Liberty Counsel announced that it is filing a federal lawsuit against the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation challenging the constitutionality of its rule that requires a permit for any meeting, exhibition, ceremony, or speech in a state park. The suit grows out of an incident in which several members of Grace Baptist Church of Wilson (NC) who were picnicking at Fort Macon State Park were told they needed a permit when they shared their religious beliefs with other park visitors. Park officials interpret their rule to require a permit no matter how small the group is that is conducting a meeting or delivering a speech. Liberty Counsel's Matthew Staver said the park rule would even require a permit for a single individual to speak to another person in the park.