CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - The organizer of a weekend rally that’s expected to draw hundreds of “alt-right” activists and white nationalists is suing a Virginia city over its decision to relocate the event.
Attorneys for right-wing blogger Jason Kessler filed the federal lawsuit Thursday against Charlottesville.
The city says Kessler’s Saturday event can’t take place in its downtown Emancipation Park. Citing safety considerations, they ordered it moved to a park about a mile away.
The rally was sparked by Charlottesville’s decision to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from Emancipation Park. Kessler’s lawsuit argues moving the rally will “dilute” his message, violating free speech.
The Rutherford Institute and American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia are representing Kessler.
The so-called “alt-right” movement generally espouses a mix of racism, white nationalism and populism.
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