News Release
For Immediate Release: 9.9.25
Contact: Natalie Konstans, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
South Carolinian Now Allowed to Hold Religious Signs in Public following District Court Order
Town of Chapin’s unconstitutional ordinance preventing the public display of religious signage is no longer being enforced.
Chapin, SC—The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina issued a preliminary injunction blocking a Chapin ordinance that required Ernest Giardino, a local resident, to obtain a permit to hold a sign and share his faith on a public right of way. Mr. Giardino is represented by First Liberty Institute.
You can read the order here.
“Any ordinance requiring Mr. Giardino to obtain Town approval to hold a sign in public is unconstitutional,” stated Senior Counsel Nate Kellum. “We are grateful that Ernest is now able to return to Chapin and peacefully share his religious beliefs, and we are hopeful the Town will respect the Constitution and adopt a new law that recognizes his right to freely live out his faith in the public sphere.”
Ernest Giardino was on a public sidewalk at the intersection of Old Lexington Road and Chapin Road on June 20, 2024, holding a 20×24 inch sign attached to a short handle, which read “Trust Christ He paid the price” on one side and “He Saved Others—Jesus—He’ll Save You” on the other side. He had held similar signs on Chapin sidewalks for the previous eight months without incident. However, on this day as Mr. Giardino was leaving, a Chapin police officer approached Mr. Giardino and informed him that he needed Chapin’s permission to share his message with a sign.
The next day, Mr. Giardino spoke with the Code Enforcement Officer and the Chief of Police in person about this surprising development. Though cordial, both confirmed the need for a permit for his speech, handing Mr. Giardino a permit application. The permit scheme required Mr. Giardino 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.
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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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