Library forced to drop limit on 'controversial' speech
Barred 'biblical marriage' forum unless it included 'opposing view'
Posted: November 15,
20051:00 a.m. Eastern

An Ohio library dropped a policy that barred a public interest group from holding a forum on traditional marriage without also inviting someone to argue for "same-sex marriage."

The agreement by the Newton Falls Library Board of Trustees settled a lawsuit filed by Florida-based Liberty Counsel, which applied to the library to hold a meeting last spring that would include prayer and Scripture reading.

The library denied Liberty Counsel's application, citing a policy that said, "If a program deals with a controversial subject, then all sides of the issue must be presented."

The policy made the room available to "nonprofit organizations" for "programs of a civic, cultural or educational nature." Story