Today, Liberty Counsel is filing a federal lawsuit against the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, alleging that the state policy used by park officials to threaten citation of members of Grace Baptist Church violates their right to freedom of speech. Liberty Counsel represents Pastor Tony Rivers and other church members in the case against the state of North Carolina, Lewis Ledford, Director of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, and several park officials.
While several members of Grace Baptist Church of Wilson gathered at Fort Macon State Park, playing group games, swimming in the ocean, and having a picnic, they shared about Jesus Christ with some park visitors before leaving. They also offered cold bottled water, consistent with Jesus’ statement in the book of Mark: “For whoever gives you a cup of water in my name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
Park Ranger Crocker approached the group and explained that they were not allowed to communicate with others unless they first obtained a permit. Pastor Rivers was given a warning and told that if it continued, they would be cited for a park rule violation.
The park rule cited by the park ranger is Title 15A Section 12B.1105 of the North Carolina Administrative Code, which states: “A person shall not hold any meeting, or exhibitions, perform any ceremony, or make any speech, unless he has a permit.” There is a minimum $30 fee for any such permit. There are no written criteria or time limits for approving permit applications.
Liberty Counsel is affiliated with the late Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
