Permanent Injunction Issued To Protect Christian Gay Pride Protesters

Last year a Missouri federal district court issued a preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of a St. Louis city ordinance that prohibits distribution of literature in public parks. The lawsuit was brought by a Christian ministry and individuals connected with who who were prevented from handing out religious literature and expressing religious beliefs during the 2006 gay pride festival. (See prior posting.) Now, in time for this year's Gay Pride festival to be held June 27-28, the parties have agreed to convert the preliminary injunction into a permanent injunction. In Apple of His Eye Inc. v. City of St. Louis, Missouri, (ED MO, June 11, 2009), the court enjoined any total ban on distribution of literature in public parks and ordered city officials to meet with PrideFest organizers to tell them that a total ban will not be enforced. It also enjoined enforcement of provisions that made distributors responsible for proper disposal of handbills. However the city may enforce its content-neutral ordinances that bar placing handbills on vehicles and impeding pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and may enforce its nighttime park curfew. Alliance Defense Fund issued a release announcing the decision.