The ACLU of Rhode Island has asked the Pawtucket City Council to "forcefully and publicly reject any future efforts to intimidate members of the public who are exercising their First Amendment rights at City Council meetings" after a recent council meeting was halted because a member of the public refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
In light of the comments aimed ad the resident, as reported in the Valley Breeze, ACLU of RI executive director Steven Brown sent a letter to all Pawtucket City Council members explaining why the protection of residents' First Amendment rights is important.
The letter stated, in part, "There are many reasons – religious, moral, philosophical and political – why some individuals refuse to stand for the Pledge. One of the fundamental principles the flag symbolizes is the freedom not to salute it. Compulsory patriotism is a disservice to what the flag represents."
For more on the ACLU's work to protect free speech, click here.
