Settlement In Case Challenging NC Park Speech Rule

Liberty Counsel announced yesterday that a settlement has been reached with the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation in a suit challenging the constitutionality a rule that requires a permit for any meeting, exhibition, ceremony, or speech in a state park. The suit was filed after 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. (See prior posting.) Under the terms of the settlement, signed a day before a scheduled hearing on an injunction, the state will institute a formal rule making process to adopt new rule whose terms have been negotiated with Liberty Counsel. The state will also pay attorney’s fees and costs.