News Release
For Immediate Release: 9.26.25
Contact: Natalie Konstans, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Tennessee AG Joins First Liberty’s Challenge to City Ordinance that Bans Charlie Kirk Prayer Vigil on Downtown Green
AG Skrmetti informs Mayor that Morristown ordinance prohibiting use of downtown green for religious purposes also violates the state’s public accommodations law.
Morristown, TN—Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti sent a letter to the City of Morristown, TN criticizing local ordinance §9-204 that prevents Brad Tumey, a nearby resident, from holding a prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk on the downtown green space. First Liberty Institute represents Mr. Tumey.
AG Skrmetti’s letter can be read here.
Nate Kellum, Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute said, “We appreciate Attorney General Skrmetti’s support for religious freedom. As he observes in his letter, Morristown’s ban on religious activity in a public sphere violates the state’s public accommodation law in addition to the First Amendment. We hope that the city will finally see the light and and let Mr. Tumey hold a prayer vigil in the downtown space.”
The Tennessee AG warns, “Tennessee law prohibits denying a person the full and equal enjoyment of a public accommodation on the grounds of religion. Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-501…. Should Morristown enforce Section 9-204 as written, the City would be treating activities differently on the basis of religion and would therefore be in violation of Tennessee’s Human Rights Act…”
Brad Tumey wanted to hold a candlelight vigil on the City of Morristown’s downtown green space following the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk in September 2025. Citing the local ordinance, the City denied his request. Though Morristown allows a wide variety of activities on the downtown green, like family reunions, car shows, dances, and concerts, they flatly prohibit any activity that is religious in nature. In response to this violation of the First Amendment, First Liberty Institute sent a demand letter to city officials. The city has thus far refused to reverse its decision, and this action prevented Mr. Tumey from having a prayer vigil in September. Even so, Mr. Tumey is hopeful the City will reconsider its stance for future events.
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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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