Better Path Coalition Planning Group v. City of Harrisburg

The federal district court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania denied the City of Harrisburg and the Harrisburg mayor’s motion to dismiss First Amendment claims brought by the organizers of an annual event to raise awareness about climate change. The court found that the plaintiffs’ allegations, taken as true, adequately stated claims that the City’s requirements for use of a City park, the fees allegedly charged for use of City streets and sidewalks, and the permitting scheme for banners on City-owned utility poles violated the plaintiffs’ First Amendment rights.