Monday, June 04, 2018
#FREESPEECH IN THE NEWS: JUNE 4, 2018
As the Citadel of Free Speech here in Cleveland, we work to protect and promote the basis of our democracy by sharing related stories, commentary, and opinions on free speech in the 21st century. Here's what's making the news – and what you should know about – in the past week.
1. In narrow ruling, Supreme Court gives victory to baker who refused to make cake for gay wedding
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a baker who refused to serve a gay couple, citing his right to free speech.
The court ruled Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cake in Denver, Colorado, cannot be forced to make a cake for a same-sex wedding. Phillips argued being forced to do so impede on his first amendment right to free speech and his right to religious freedom. Phillips also closes his shop on Sundays, refusing to make cakes celebrating Halloween or create cakes containing alcohol.
The case reached the Supreme Court after David Mullins and Charlie Craig filed suit after Phillips refused to make a cake for their wedding reception.
2. 4 arrested as opposing demonstrators clash in downtown Portland
A “Freedom March” organized by Vancouver-based group Patriot Prayer turned violent after clashing with an opposing rally.
Four men were arrested during the clash with the opposing group Rose City Antifa in what they billed as the “Call to Resist Patriot Prayer Bringing Nazis to Portland” event. The arrests occurred at Terry Schrunk Plaza Free Speech Plaza and the adjacent Chapman Square. The groups were protesting for their first amendment rights and police brutality.
Portland Police say neither group applied for permits and participants failed to disperse. They also said this year’s rally wasn’t as violent as last year’s, in which more than a dozen people were arrested.
3 Colorado Springs to pay cameraman $41,000 after First Amendment audit of police
A self-proclaimed amendment auditor will receive a payout after being unlawfully detained by the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Terrell Clayton was detained in the back of a cruiser after two officers approached him the department’s parking lot, taking his camera and cell phone he was recording the encounter with.
"A first I was very surprised," Clayton told 11 News. “I wasn’t looking for trouble. I realized that contact with police was possible, but that’s not what I was anticipating.”
Clayton says he was filming as part of the First Amendment Audits movement and filed a complaint with the department the next day. He will receive $41,000 as a result of the claim.
