News Release
For Immediate Release: 7.9.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Texas City Will Allow Church Members in Public Park to Engage in Religious Dialogue with Event Attendees
The City of Waco changed its decision after First Liberty sent a demand letter.
Waco, TX—First Liberty Institute announced that the City of Waco (TX) will now allow church members to freely engage in religious dialogue with local attendees at the Brazos Park East, a public park owned and maintained by the city. Previously, Pastor Ronnie Holmes and members of his church were forced to move away from event attendees and relocate to the city’s designated “free speech zone.”
“We are pleased that the City of Waco now recognizes that Free Speech cannot be banished to an isolated speech zone simply because event permit holders and attendees do not like the message being shared,” said First Liberty Senior Counsel Nate Kellum. “Pastor Ronnie Holmes and members of his church are grateful that their First Amendment rights have been upheld.”
Compelled by his Christian beliefs to share his faith with attendees, Pastor Holmes and other members of his church visited Brazos Park East, a public park owned and maintained by the City of Waco, during the annual “Out on the Brazos” festival hosted by the Waco Pride Network (WPN) last October. The entire park remained free and open to the public throughout the event. After entering the park, Pastor Holmes and his group began speaking with several attendees about their faith until three police officers from the Waco Police Department approached, halted their speech, and escorted them to a 10-foot x 20-foot zone, approximately fifty yards away from the main event area.
Pastor Holmes informed city officials about his concerns, hoping to come to an agreeable resolution, but Waco doubled down on its speech zone policy, assuring Pastor Holmes that they would not let him reach people with his religious message.
After reviewing the letter from First Liberty reminding the City of its constitutional obligations, the City dropped its speech zone policy, and assured Pastor Holmes that it will not impose similar requirements to him or his church at this year’s Out of the Brazos event.
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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 John Manning at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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