Signs on the Sidewalk

On a Saturday evening, 88 members of a religious movement gathered at their hall and set out in groups of 15 to 20 through a city's crowded business district. They walked in single file along the sidewalks, carrying signs reading slogans such as 'Religion is a Snare and a Racket' and 'Serve God and Christ the King', and handed out leaflets advertising a public meeting. A state law forbade any parade or procession on a public street without a special licence from local officials, who could charge a fee. The marchers did not apply for a licence and none was issued. The prosecution said this was an unlicensed procession. The marchers argued that requiring a licence violated their freedom of worship, speech, press and assembly.