The ruling orders the school board to stop enforcing certain restrictions on public comments during its meetings while the lawsuit continues.
first amendment
Posted inMaine, News
Federal judge weighs order to allow activist free speech at Augusta school board meetings
A lawyer for Nicholas Blanchard, who sued the Augusta Board of Education, said in federal court Friday the board’s enforcement of its public comment policy violates the conservative activist’s constitutional right to free speech.
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Posted inNation & World, News
Maine leaders criticize Supreme Court ruling against ban on ‘conversion therapy’ in Colorado
The court sided with a Christian counselor challenging a ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors in Colorado. The practice has been banned in Maine since 2019.
Posted inMaine, News
ICE agents in Maine did not follow policy when they threatened observers, DHS lawyer says
An attorney for the Department of Homeland Security said immigration agents inappropriately told Maine residents their names would be added to a ‘domestic terrorists’ database.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools and Education
Allegations, prayers fly at Augusta school board meeting
Board member James Orr disputed allegations by Superintendent Martha Witham he violated the school board’s ethics policy.
Posted inMaine
Court rules Maine can’t enforce law prohibiting foreign spending on campaigns
The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s decision to temporarily halt the state from enforcing the law, which voters approved in 2023.
Posted inMaine, News
Right to know advocate gives talk on Maine Freedom of Access Act to public officials in Franklin County
Judith Meyer, former executive editor of the Sun Journal, gave an overview of the law to public officials, residents and others.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
Maine has spent millions to digitize court records — and they’re still mostly not online
A recent decision to halt most online access puts into question whether eCourts will truly do what the state judicial branch promised.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine, News
Augusta’s First Amendment Museum to move downtown during Gannett House renovation
The museum, which celebrates the First Amendment, will operate out of a space on Water Street for three years while the former home of Guy Gannett gets an update.
Posted inNation & World, News, Politics, Religion and Values
Federal judge blocks Louisiana law that requires classrooms to display Ten Commandments
U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles in Baton Rouge said the law had an ‘overtly religious’ purpose and is ‘unconstitutional on its face.’