Deciding that the City had complied with Judge Xavier
Rodriguez's instructions, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery today lifted the injunction against the City's
Parade Ordinance. Judge Rodriguez had ruled that critical portions of the ordinance, which City Council passed in November 2007, were unconstitutional in part because they left too much discretion regarding fees in the government hands, allowing for discrimination based on the marchers' messages. The Current has a call in to lead Free Speech Coalition attorney Amy Kastely for more details, and we'll follow up with the City in the morning.
In the meantime, Esperanza Director Graciela Sanchez emphasizes that the Coalition's lawsuit will proceed. Kastely and free-speech advocates will offer an update on the case tomorrow evening, April 1, at 6:30pm at the Esperanza, 922 San Pedro.
In the meantime, you can find pertinent court documents here, including the original ordinance, and the City's modified ordinance, which Judge Biery's ruling puts into effect.
