Nashville Legislature’s Sign Ban Faces Legal Battle: ACLU Lawsuit Challenges Rule
In an ongoing legal battle, the sign ban imposed by the Nashville Legislature during its special session is being challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) through a lawsuit. The issue revolves around whether signs should be prohibited during the legislature’s sessions. Today, both proponents and opponents of the ban will present their arguments on whether the rule should continue to be enforced.
The ban was enacted by lawmakers at the beginning of the session, but some argue that it infringes upon their rights. This argument resonated with a Davidson County judge who issued an injunction against the ban. Chancellor Anne Martin, the presiding judge, expedited the hearing to take place this morning, a week ahead of schedule.
Chancellor Martin’s order establishes a temporary restraining order that halts House members and officials from enforcing the sign ban. The matter at hand stems from a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Tennessee on behalf of three women who were forcibly removed by state troopers from a Tennessee House Subcommittee hearing for expressing their opinions on gun issues through pieces of paper. The incident occurred following the adoption of the ban just a day prior by the Tennessee House of Representatives for the special session.
The hearing has been scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Davidson County Chancery Court. The emergency injunction prevents the enforcement of the sign ban until the lawsuit concludes. NewsChannel 5 will be present at the proceedings and will provide updates on the outcome.
