Chapin, July 25, 2025
News Summary
A Chapin resident, Ernest Giardino, is suing the town after being notified by police that a permit is required to display his religious sign on a public sidewalk. The lawsuit argues that this requirement violates constitutional rights. Giardino’s sign has been held at a busy intersection for eight months without incident, and the First Liberty Institute is supporting his case, citing First Amendment concerns over free speech restrictions imposed by the town’s ordinance.
Chapin Resident Sues Town Over Permit Requirement for Religious Sign on Public Sidewalk
Chapin, South Carolina – A local resident, Ernest Giardino, has initiated a lawsuit against the town of Chapin following a requirement to obtain a permit to display a religious sign on a public sidewalk. The sign, proclaiming the message “Trust Christ He Paid the Price,” has been held by Giardino at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Chapin Road for the past eight months without incident.
On June 20, 2024, Giardino encountered a police officer who informed him that displaying the sign necessitated a permit. The First Liberty Institute, a national Christian conservative legal organization, is representing Giardino in this matter. The lawsuit asserts that the town’s ordinance requiring permits for signage infringes upon constitutional rights.
Giardino’s sign is not limited to one message; the reverse side features additional religious content, stating, “He Saved Others — Jesus — He’ll Save You.” Giardino characterized his interaction with the police as embarrassing, emphasizing the emotional toll of being confronted while expressing his faith.
In the legal documents filed, Giardino’s attorney criticized the constraints imposed by the town, which include a requirement to change sidewalks every 15 minutes and limiting the overall time for holding a sign to just 30 minutes. Such regulations are viewed as infringing upon his right to free speech.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit claims that Chapin’s ordinance, known as Ordinance 14.1001, that governs parades, demonstrations, and picketing, is overly restrictive. It mandates a prior notification period of 14 days for the approval of sign content. According to the complaint, the First Liberty Institute argues that such permit requirements can create significant hurdles for individuals wishing to express religious beliefs, thus representing an unconstitutional burden on free expression.
Giardino is seeking nominal damages of $1.00 as well as injunctive relief and a declaratory judgment aimed at preventing future violations of his rights. His legal team beautifully encapsulates the essence of the First Amendment as being a “permit” for public faith expression.
Town’s Position
Officials from the town of Chapin have not commented directly on the lawsuit but previously indicated their intentions to balance the rights to free speech with the need to maintain orderly public spaces. The town’s existing regulations seek to ensure that public areas remain functional while also respecting individual rights.
Importantly, Giardino was not using any amplification devices nor speaking when he was approached by the police officer while holding his sign. This raises further questions about the necessity for permits in instances where individuals are privately holding signs without sound amplification.
The First Liberty Institute emphasizes that permit schemes can potentially deter speech before it even occurs, arguing that regulations meant to control such expressions must meet stringent constitutional standards.
Conclusion
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the residents of Chapin and their ability to freely express religious beliefs on public sidewalks. As the community awaits further developments, the case highlights ongoing discussions about the intersection of free speech rights and municipal governance.
FAQ
What is the lawsuit about?
Ernest Giardino is suing the town of Chapin for requiring a permit to display a religious sign on a public sidewalk, claiming that this requirement violates his constitutional rights.
Who is representing Giardino in the lawsuit?
The First Liberty Institute, a national Christian conservative legal organization, is representing Giardino.
What does the sign say?
The sign Giardino has been displaying states, “Trust Christ He Paid the Price,” with additional messages on the reverse, including “He Saved Others — Jesus — He’ll Save You.”
What is the town’s ordinance regarding signs?
The town’s ordinance, Ordinance 14.1001, regulates parades, demonstrations, and picketing, requiring a 14-day notice for permit approval of sign content.
What is Giardino seeking from the lawsuit?
Giardino seeks nominal damages of $1.00, injunctive relief, and a declaratory judgment to prevent future violations of his rights.
What are the implications of this lawsuit?
The outcome may affect how residents of Chapin can express their religious beliefs publicly and may lead to changes in local ordinances concerning free speech.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- ABC News 4
- Fox News
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: First Amendment to the United States Constitution
- Google Search: Chapin South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
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