Four religious leaders and a faith-based organization filed a federal lawsuit against Seattle officials alleging the city unlawfully suppressed their religious speech and assembly during a public event at Cal Anderson Park.
The plaintiffs, Russell Johnson, Jenny Donnelly, Her Voice Movement Inc. (operating as Tetelestai Ministries), Robert Donnelly, and Ross Johnston, claim city officials denied permits, shut down their event, and subjected them to a “heckler’s veto” by allowing hostile objectors to disrupt their gathering while blaming the organizers for ensuing violence.
The lawsuit, filed in the Western District of Washington, alleges First and Fourteenth Amendment violations including religious viewpoint discrimination and unconstitutional prior restraint. The group contends they were targeted for expressing Christian views not affirming LGBTQIA+ identities while similar events promoting other viewpoints proceeded without interference.
The plaintiffs allege that “violent agitators threw urine filled balloons” at them and “engaged in obscene behavior and masturbation in front of innocent minor children in attendance.”
According to the complaint, Mayor Bruce Harrell and other city leaders publicly condemned the organizers’ views and incited criticism through statements coordinated with other faith leaders. The lawsuit cites Harrell’s press release stating: “Today’s far-right rally was held here for this very reason, to provoke a reaction by promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our city’s values.”
Plaintiffs argue these actions inflicted irreparable harm on their free speech, religious expression, and peaceable assembly rights. They claim Seattle’s permitting process lacks neutral criteria, enabling officials to deny or revoke permits based on speech content and public reaction rather than objective safety concerns.
Mayor Harrell’s office disputed the allegations, stating the city does not decline or modify permits based on viewpoints. “We have frequently and consistently shared the City’s process that allows for people of all viewpoints to express their First Amendment rights in public spaces,” the statement read. “While we cannot comment on active litigation, with respect to those rights, Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Hollingsworth worked with organizers regarding a similar event in August, recognizing the City cannot and does not decline or modify permits or locations based on anticipated speech or viewpoint.”
The case seeks damages and injunctive relief preventing future enforcement of city permitting policies the plaintiffs allege are unconstitutional. Attorneys cite repeated attempts to work with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Office of Economic Development as evidence of discrimination throughout the permitting process.
The lawsuit demands a jury trial, damages, and court enforcement of issued orders, highlighting ongoing debates over balancing religious freedom and public safety when managing events on city property.
