ANN ARBOR, MI – The Branch County Tea Party is a volunteer group of concerned citizens calling themselves “The Common Sense Patriots of Branch County” who gather several times each year for speeches at the Four Corners city park in Coldwater, Michigan. As it had with other groups in the past, the City allowed the “Patriots” to place a sign at the Park entrance announcing their meetings. Last week that suddenly changed. Without giving any specific explanation other than the City had received some complaints, the City Manager informed the group that they could no longer put up their signs.
This is when the Thomas More Law Center stepped in. Last week, one of the group’s members asked for help. Their next meeting was scheduled for July 31, 2010, and they wanted to announce it with a sign. The Thomas More Law Center is a national, public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Robert Muise, the Law Center’s Senior Trial Counsel, immediately prepared and faxed a letter to the City explaining it had violated the group’s Constitutional right to free speech. [Click here to read letter]
Within a few hours of receiving the letter, the City reversed its refusal. The sign will immediately go up announcing the Patriots’ meeting on Saturday July 31.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented, “The Tea Party movement is one of the only remaining means of getting our Nation out of the mess it’s in. I’m pleased that we were able to help this group get out its message. And I’m pleased that the City so quickly responded to our letter.”
Thompson concluded with a word of caution, “We were successful in getting the City to change its position this time, but the situation has not been permanently resolved. That’s because the City’s attorney informed us that they are developing a formal written policy dealing with displays in City parks. The Law Center will make sure that the City doesn’t attempt to prevent the display of the Patriot’s signs indirectly through this written policy.”
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.