Suit Challenges Limits On Evangelist's Gospel Tract Distribution At Street Festival

According to a press release from Alliance Defense Fund, a suit was filed in a New York federal district court last week on behalf of a Christian evangelist who wants to distribute Gospel tracts during the Buffalo (NY) annual Sorrento Cheese Italian Heritage Festival.  According to the complaint (full text) in Owen v. City of Buffalo, (WD NY, filed 5/10/2012), last year police stopped plaintiff from handing out literature at the street festival, even though the Army and local schools were permitted to hand out materials. The suit alleges violations of due process and free speech protections, and asks for a declaratory judgment, an injunction and nominal damages plus costs and expenses.