Unlike most cities, Seattle does not have specific language in its ordinance to prevent city officials from engaging in viewpoint censorship. Instead, the ordinance allows a private business association to approve or deny applications for public forum and park permits. 

In the case of the Mayday USA event, when Christians sought a permit to pray for America, that local pro-LGBTQ business association told the City of Seattle to deny the request because the event was Christian.

The city effectively empowered a private business association to do what the city government itself cannot legally do — discriminate against Mayday USA based on their religious viewpoint.

Governments MAY NOT empower a private entity to discriminate on their behalf.

Yet, that is exactly what the City of Seattle did.

As a result, the city forced Mayday USA to hold their prayer event in an LGBTQ neighborhood park known for outrageous “pride” protests.

What happened next was, sadly, all too predictable.

As our clients arrived at the park to begin praying and worshipping the Lord, they were met with shocking violence at the hands of LGBTQ protesters. 

• The LGBTQ protesters hurled human waste at the Christians, including water balloons filled with urine.
• Elderly Christian women and small children were sexually accosted.
• A Christian teenager kneeling in prayer was assaulted with a knife. 
• Other worshippers were tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed by the “gay” mob.

The police arrested dozens of LGBTQ protesters for the violence, but when the melee hit the news, Mayor Bruce Harrell had the gall to publicly blame the Christian victims for the attack that his team’s actions enabled.

If Mayor Bruce Harrell wanted to send a message to the Christian community, he made an incredibly poor choice, because for 37 years, Liberty Counsel has stood as the last line of defense for Christians discriminated against and victimized by government officials intent on violating constitutionally protected religious freedom rights.

We’ve won 42 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and thousands more in state supreme courts and the lower courts. And we aren't about to stop now, because THE GOSPEL and our First Amendment freedom to embrace and preach it are too important to go undefended.

We will NOT allow the anti-Christians to rob Mayday USA or any other Christian’s First Amendment rights.

But we need YOUR HELP to keep fighting.

Every donation to our legal fund today will be DOUBLED in impact by a special Challenge Grant. Please, help us defend the Gospel with your gift today and DOUBLE YOUR GIFT.

And please, be in prayer for this case as we make our oral arguments to the Appeals Court today.

Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel

TAKE ACTION

Liberty Counsel is in court today to defend Christians attacked and vilified in Seattle. Please give generously to help us defend these victims of physical violence in an American city. Act now because your gift today is DOUBLED by a special Challenge Grant.

Walk in Paul's footsteps on the Journeys of Paul trip through Greece and Turkey!

Join Mat & Anita Staver on an unforgettable trip retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, Timothy, and Lydia through the very places where the early church took root.  

Visit Thessaloniki • Philippi • Corinth • Athens • Ephesus • Smyrna 

April 17-26, 2027 

Discover the wonders of the ancient biblical and cultural cities where the Apostle Paul traveled. This trip is for people of all ages! Our specially curated itinerary will make your experience an unforgettable one, bringing the New Testament to life and strengthening your Christian faith.

SOURCE: 

“Seattle Chilled Free Speech in Christian Mayday Gathering Case.” Liberty Counsel, June 5, 2026. LC.org/newsroom/details/060526-seattle-chilled-free-speech-in-christian-mayday-gathering-case.