The city of Decatur's plan to charge protesters with disorderly conduct if they don't obtain a parade permit before protesting violates their First Amendment rights, according to a letter released by the ACLU. ing.

The ACLU of Alabama shared the following on Tuesday: letter He spoke to Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling about his concerns about the city's new policy and urged him to reconsider. Decatur is changing when, how and whether individuals and groups can peacefully protest in the River City. The mayor is calling for changes to the city's parade policy following weeks of protests and vigils led by Standing in Power over the unjust police killing of Stephen Clay Perkins. Perkins was shot to death in his driveway in September 2023 after a police officer tried to retrieve his car. Earlier this month, a grand jury indicted former Decatur police officer Mac Bailey Marquette for Perkins' murder.

“The city of Decatur may not be able to regulate speech or protest because it disagrees with the message or because the activity is inconvenient…,” the ACLU of Alabama wrote. “Thus, those who have protested and continue to protest the police killing of Mr. Perkins, either because the subject matter is potentially controversial or because the city of Decatur is concerned about public reaction. They will not lose their constitutional protections.”

The ACLU of Alabama offered assistance to help the city amend and adopt an ordinance that appropriately balances the First Amendment and public safety.