Monday, March 30, 2020
#FREESPEECH in the News March 30, 2020
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.) Salem Radio Delves Into Film Distribution with Free-Speech Documentary
Talk-radio giant Salem Media Group is jumping into the movie business by streaming No Safe Spaces, a documentary about free speech from comedian Adam Carolla and nationally syndicated radio host Dennis Prager.
No Safe Spaces was one of 2019's top earning political documentaries, taking in $1.3 million at the box office, and earning a 99 percent audience score at Rotten Tomatoes (49 percent critic scores), the leading online aggregator of TV and movie reviews. The film largely pokes fun at political correctness on college campuses.
Despite the film's popularity — at least in conservative circles — Prager told Newsweek that the filmmakers were unable to strike a deal with traditional streamers due to what he says is a political bias in Hollywood, so he took it to his radio employer, Salem.
2.) Free speech lawsuit against Trump gets go-ahead from judge
Free speech advocates can move forward with a lawsuit alleging U.S. President Donald Trump violated the Constitution by threatening journalists and news organizations who have criticized his administration.
U.S. District Judge Lorna Schofield on Tuesday denied Trump’s request to throw out the case, saying the threats are credible because Trump has barred reporters from news conferences before and revoked CNN correspondent Jim Acosta’s credentials.
Pen America Center, one of more than 100 centers that make up the PEN International network, sued Trump in federal court in Manhattan in October 2018 seeking an order declaring that Trump’s threats violate the First Amendment.
3.) Attorney Sues N.Y. Gov Over Gatherings Ban: Infringes on Ability to Observe Judaism
A Brooklyn attorney has filed a lawsuit accusing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of violating his right to free speech and ability to observe his Jewish faith because of the state’s ban on large gatherings due to the coronavirus.
Lee Nigen also alleges that telling state residents to limit travel, Cuomo has violated his right to meet with clients, friends, family and “like-minded people,” the New York Post reported.
Cuomo signed an executive order requiring an indefinite ban on large gatherings on March 23. He has yet to impose a travel ban. The suit filed Friday in Brooklyn federal court named Cuomo and the state government.
