Free speech vs. public safety

Free speech is a precious liberty that must be protected. But with that sacred right also comes responsibility.

An incident in downtown Fort Worth last year has prompted a federal lawsuit against the city. But what happened was more about public safety than interference with First Amendment rights.

David Grisham, a self-described “born-again Christian,” is suing because Fort Worth police officers prevented him and others from confronting participants at the annual Tarrant County Gay Pride Week Association festival and parade, for which the organization had a permit.

Grisham and his group, who have a reputation of being provocative on homosexuality and anti-Muslim issues, attempted to carry their campaign into the celebration.

Police officers insisted that they not enter the area, directing them to a spot on the other side of the street.

The police came up with a sensible compromise that prevented harassment of peaceful celebrants without overly infringing on another group’s freedom of speech.

This story was originally published May 7, 2015 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Free speech vs. public safety."