Organizers of a Christian event in Seattle, which faced disruptions in May, are now suing the city and police. They claim they were unfairly treated due to their religious beliefs. The Liberty Counsel, a legal organization, has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the MayDay USA organizers against Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Police Chief Sean Burns. This complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, argues that the city infringed on the group’s rights protected by the First and 14th Amendments.
Described in the legal documents as a national religious revival aimed at “returning America to God,” MayDay USA conducted events in five major U.S. cities in May. At their gathering in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park, 23 individuals were arrested as protesters interrupted the event, allegedly throwing urine-filled balloons at participants.
The Seattle police stated they observed “multiple people within one group throwing objects at the opposing group.” An officer sustained injuries during the arrest of an individual, which required medical attention.
The complaint indicates that the organizers initially requested to hold their event on Pike Street, a popular area for demonstrations. The city declined the request, citing safety concerns and complaints from local businesses regarding similar past events.
Correspondence between the organizers and Seattle’s Office of Special Events revealed that city officials proposed several alternative venues, including Cal Anderson Park, which is historically significant to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community.
The organizers stated they agreed to the alternative location “following city officials’ recommendations and the issuance of a permit.” They expressed reluctance about using Cal Anderson Park after the initial permit was turned down.
Following the event, Mayor Harrell attributed the violent incident to the presence of the Christian gathering. His comments sparked further controversy, with the lawsuit claiming his remarks were particularly concerning given the violence endured by the organizers, who felt they were owed protection from the city.
In a statement, the mayor emphasized Seattle’s commitment to being welcoming and inclusive, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. He stated that the event’s purpose appeared to provoke conflict, particularly in such a prominent LGBTQ+ area.
The complaint alleges that “violent instigators” at the event engaged in various intimidating actions, including throwing balloons, making lewd gestures, threatening attendees, and vandalizing equipment. Yet, the mayor did not publicly condemn this violence, often attributing it to the religious beliefs of the organizers.
The mayor’s office confirmed that Cal Anderson Park was one of the suggested locations shared with event organizers. A spokesperson referenced a video where the pastor characterized Pike Place as “the home base of Antifa,” indicating a prior understanding that the area might be contentious.
The lawsuit contends that actions by Seattle officials violated the participants’ rights and argues that the city improperly exercised its permit authority to restrict religious expression.
The plaintiffs include Russell Johnson, Jenny and Robert Donnelly, Ross Johnston, and the Her Voice Movement, which is associated with the May Day USA organizers.
They seek a court order to stop the city from enforcing permit rules seen as discriminatory towards religious or political expression. The lawsuit also demands a declaration that Seattle’s permitting system is unconstitutional, along with claims for monetary damages.
Both the Seattle Police Department and the City Attorney’s Office have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. However, the mayor’s office reiterated that they consistently strive to ensure all individuals can express their First Amendment rights and highlighted future coordination with event organizers on similar occasions.
Following a previous Christian event in August, which took place without issues, the situation highlights the complexities around organizing religious gatherings in Seattle amid progressive pushback. The August event, part of a different tour, proceeded with city cooperation, although it attracted some protests.
