ICC Note: The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) recently requested that officials in Edmond, Oklahoma overturn an ordinance that prohibits the distribution of literature that speaks profanely of the Christian faith to a degree that it spurs public uproar. Although the ordinance asserts that such speech and behavior could lead to a “breach of peace,” the FFRF argues that the ordinance is a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech. Also found in the ordinance are prohibitions of actions that would cause public outcry such as abusive language or indecent behavior.
By Heather Clark
02/26/2017 United States (Christian News Network) – A prominent professing atheist group recently wrote to officials in an Oklahoma city to request that an ordinance outlawing the distribution of literature profanely mocking Christianity—to the point that it causes a public disturbance—be scrubbed from the books.
The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) contacted the attorney for Edmond, Oklahoma on Tuesday to advise that an unidentified concerned citizen alerted the organization about the ordinance, which it contends is unconstitutional.
The ordinance at issue is under the “Public Peace and Safety” section, which prohibits speech and behavior that results in a breach of the peace.
“It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to circulate any literature or use any language within the corporate limits of the City of Edmond, that casts profane ridicule on God, Jesus, or Christianity, which in its common acceptance is calculated to cause a breach of the peace or an assault,” the ordinance states.
Other laws under the section prohibit displaying inflammatory signs that would cause a breach of the peace, disturbing religious worship services with “rude, indecent or improper behavior” or generally using “obscene, offensive or abusive language” on the streets in a manner that causes a public uproar.
FFRF believes that the blasphemy law protects Christianity more than other religions, or atheism, and violates the First Amendment’s right to freedom of speech.
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