A church in Gilbert, Arizona, has accused its local government of letting politicians and real estate agents put up signs along the local roadways, but not religious organizations, and the nation’s highest court is due to hear arguments about the First Amendment fight on Monday.
The Good News Community Church and Pastor Clyde Reed sued the city of Gilbert, claiming the government placed far stricter rules on the church’s roadside signs advertising Sunday services than it did for real estate agents and politicians, and other non-religious groups and individuals, Fox News reported.
The city currently lets churches put up signs for Sunday worship that are no larger than 6 square feet; signs for political candidates, on the other hand, can be 32 square feet. The church signs also must be taken down within an hour of the event’s ending, while the political signs can remain in place for months, Fox News said.
Lower courts have upheld the sign ordinance, but the church says the ordinance unfairly discriminates based the content of the service being offered.
“Simply put, to prevail in this case, Gilbert must explain why a 32-square-foot sign displayed in the right of way virtually all year long is not a threat to safety and aesthetics if it bears a political message, but it is such a threat if it invites people to Good News’ church services,” the church argued in court papers, Fox News reported.
The case is Reed v. Town of Gilbert, and a decision is expected in June.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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