DALLAS, Texas – John Douglas Jenkins has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Duncanville, Texas, challenging the constitutionality of the city's Political Sign Ordinance. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, alleges that Duncanville's ordinance violates fundamental First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly.
The case stems from an October 2022 incident where John Douglas Jenkins was wrongfully cited for holding a political banner on a public overpass. Citizens Defending Freedom (CDF) supported Jenkins in that original court case and eventually the charges were dismissed. However, the ordinance remains in effect, continuing to chill protected political speech.
"Duncanville's ordinance is a blatant violation of our constitutional rights," said Jason C. Greaves, partner at Binnall Law Group and lead attorney for the plaintiff. "The city has essentially criminalized political speech in public spaces. We will not stand by while local governments trample on the First Amendment."
The lawsuit seeks to strike down Duncanville's Political Sign Ordinance, which makes it a criminal offense to "leave any political or electioneering sign or literature on public property" outside of designated polling places. CDF argues this creates an unconstitutional ban on election-related speech in all other public forums.
"Public spaces have long been recognized as bastions of free speech in America," stated Martin K. Etwop, Remnant Law attorney and co-counsel on the case. "Duncanville's ordinance turns this principle on its head, silencing citizens who wish to engage in the most fundamental form of democratic participation - political advocacy."
CDF, as a member of Remnant Alliance, was able to help Mr. Jenkins assemble a formidable legal team that included Remnant Law and the Binnall Law Group. This is the same team who recently had a victory in Texas federal court by successfully defending Pastor Steve Ceh and his wife against the civil suit spearheaded by former Texas State Senate member Wendy Davis. CDF is committed to educating the general public on unconstitutional restrictions of free speech and assembly wherever they arise.
About Citizens Defending Freedom:
Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically operates in counties across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom is established in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to continue expanding across America. Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.