Leaders of a Christian event who say they were discriminated against in seeking public space in Seattle have appealed a federal judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction against the city of Seattle, according to Liberty Counsel.
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Liberty Counsel, which is defending Mayday USA organizers in their suit, filed the opening brief with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on April 17. The dispute began in February 2025 when Mayday USA organizers sought to hold a worship and prayer event on Pike Street, a public space available for such events through a permit process. The organizers were planning to use the area for worship and to advocate against human trafficking and abortion and rally support for protecting children and families.
Denied access
Seattle officials denied the organization’s application for a permit and directed them to Cal Anderson Park, which is known to be a popular place among the LGBTQ+ community. During the May 24 event, agitators reportedly attacked the group with projectiles and pepper spray, leading city police to shut down the activities.
Mayday USA filed suit against the city in September, arguing that the permit approval process, which applied to groups accessing a public forum, violated their free speech, freedom of assembly and free exercise of religion, as well as their 14th Amendment rights.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Decision Magazine. Used with permission.
