Friday, February 17, 2023

Consent Decree on Preliminary Injunction Signed in Pro-Lifers Suit Against National Archives [CORRECTED]

As previously reported, a suit was filed in D.C. federal district court last week against the National Archives after its security officers required three anti-abortion proponents who were visiting the museum to cover their pro-life t-shirts and remove pro-life buttons and hats.   In a press release yesterday, the American Center for Law and Justice announced that the court has signed a consent decree (full text) in the case.  The decree preliminarily enjoins the National Archives from prohibiting visitors from wearing t-shirts, hats, buttons or other attire that displays religious or political speech. In addition, National Archives will provide personal tours and personal apologies to two of the plaintiffs in the case. The National Archives has already issued a press release apologizing for the incident. The case has been referred to the D.C. Circuit's Mediation Program for 90 days to explore a final settlement. Politico reports on the parties' agreement. [Note: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that the case had been finally settled.]