News Release
For Immediate Release: 10.29.25
Contact: Natalie Konstans, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Federal Court Enters Consent Order Allowing Resident of South Carolina Town to Hold Religious Signs
Town of Chapin revised ordinance that previously blocked Ernest Giardino, a local resident, from holding religious signage in public.
Chapin, SC—The U.S. District Court of the District of South Carolina entered a Consent Order enjoining the Town of Chapin from enforcing an ordinance that kept local resident Ernest Giardino from holding religious signs on public ways in the town without a permit. Mr. Giardino and the Town agreed on the contents of the Order following the Town’s revisions to the ordinance. The Order also requires the Town to pay nominal damages and attorneys’ fees. Mr. Giardino is represented by First Liberty Institute.
“Mr. Giardino just wants to share his Christian faith with others,” said Senior Counsel Nate Kellum. “We commend the Town for revising the ordinance language so Mr. Giardino can live out his faith in the public sphere.”
A Chapin police officer prevented Ernest Giardino from holding a religious sign on a public way at the intersection of Old Lexington Road and Chapin Road on June 20, 2024, reading “Trust Christ He paid the price” on one side and “He Saved Others—Jesus—He’ll Save You” on the other. The officer informed him that he needed Chapin’s permission to share his message with a sign.
Mr. Giardino soon learned the ordinance required him to give the Town a two-week advanced notice and limited him to holding his sign for only 30 minutes. Additionally, he was advised that he would need to change sidewalk corners every 15 minutes while holding a sign.
With the revision of the ordinance and the Court’s Order in place, Mr. Giardino is now free to share his faith through signs.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact Natalie Konstans at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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