Sandy Springs is repealing a controversial ordinance aimed at curbing the expression of hate speech, after determining the law is constitutionally flawed. Cory Isaacson, the Georgia legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said, the ordinance would have “shutdown speech and expression across the whole city” During a city council meeting, Tuesday, Isaacson praised […]
Tag: Georgia First Amendment Foundation
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Move to stop hate speech in Sandy Springs sparks new concerns
In an effort to curb hate speech and regulate flyer distribution, Sandy Springs has approved new ordinances that some say may violate First Amendment rights. The American Civil Liberties Union and the Georgia First Amendment Foundation both say that the new laws infringe on freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Flyers and pamphlets […]
Posted inColumns
Georgia’s medical cannabis licensing secrecy prevails as critics predict a legislative fix
The Supreme Court of Georgia’s recent rejection of a challenge to the extraordinary secrecy of the state’s medical cannabis licensing system may propel the issue to another General Assembly debate next year. The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC) recently issued the last of six available licenses to producers of low-THC cannabis oil despite pending court challenges from […]
Posted inColumns, John Ruch
Introducing the Stanley Awards for Georgia’s worst suppressions of First Amendment and open government
I’m proud to announce the debut of the Stanley Suppression Awards for Georgia’s worst attempts to stifle First Amendment activity and cloud government transparency.
Posted inColumns, John Ruch
With a new General Assembly elected, beware of bills assaulting the First Amendment
With a newly elected Georgia General Assembly set to meet in January, it’s not too early to start warning it away from the kind of First Amendment assault we saw in last year’s session.
Posted inLatest News
Cityhood efforts, development authorities need more transparency, lawmakers say
More transparency is needed for Georgia’s cityhood movements and development authorities — but not for the General Assembly itself, two state lawmakers said at a Jan. 27 open-government event.
Posted inLatest News
Can’t get a Georgia public record? Blame fees, laws, rulings, lack of knowledge.
There are a lot of reasons why critics say there’s a heavy curtain that stands between between Georgians and some public business.
