Pro-lifer considers legal action against Georgia town denying him permits

A Georgia town is facing potential legal action after allegedly preventing a pro-life advocate from speaking outside an abortion center.

James Anthony regularly stood outside the Columbus Women’s Health Organization to share with passersby about alternatives to abortion. He even requested and was granted an amplified sound permit to use a sound system.

However, in 2024, the Columbus police chief started denying Anthony’s permit requests, citing traffic safety concerns and noise complaints.

Anthony offered to abide by a decibel limit but was still denied.

On Feb. 6, First Liberty Institute, which is representing Anthony, sent a letter to the Columbus mayor, police chief, and city attorney, arguing Anthony’s First Amendment rights are being violated.

“The city has no legitimate, much less compelling, interest in banishing all amplified sound – no matter the volume – from a public way in perpetuity,” said the letter. “The city’s decision to unconditionally bar Mr. Anthony’s use of amplified sound to share his religious message on a traditional public forum violates his First Amendment right to free speech, as well as state law.”

The letter further explains that without amplification, Anthony’s speech is obscured by noises made by the surrounding environment and the clinic and its staff.

First Liberty warned city leadership to resolve the issue within two weeks or it will consider legal action for the violation of free speech and religious rights.

“The First Amendment grants all Americans the right to express their point of view, religious or secular, perhaps no more so than on a public sidewalk,” said First Liberty Senior Counsel Nate Kellum.

“No one should be barred from or criminally punished for personally and compassionately telling someone they are cared for and that there are options other than abortion.”