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In brief

Following a public consultation period which commenced in December 2019, on 25 August 2020, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Saudi Arabia announced that it had issued amendments to the Securities Business Regulations (SBRs) and the Authorised Persons Regulations (APRs). The new APRs are now known as the Capital Market Institutions Regulations (CMIRs), following the terminology change from Authorised Persons (APs) to Capital Market Institutions (CMIs).

These amendments represent the first comprehensive revision to the APRs and SBRs for some time and the first amendment to the SBRs since its issuance in June 2005 (the last update to the APRs occurred in September 2017).

To allow sufficient time for CMIs to comply with the more significant amendments, the CMA has implemented a phased approach whereby the changes will come into effect in two stages, the first of which will be on 1 November 2020 (15/3/1442H) (as announced by the CMA), with the second phase coming into effect on 1 January 2022 (28/5/1443H). A summary of those changes which become effective on 1 January 2022 is also set out below.

As a result, unusually, both the current SBRs and current APRs as well as the new SBRs and the new APRs (i.e. the CMIRs) are published on the CMAs website. Accordingly, where a provision is subject to a phased approach, the current position will remain as per the current SBRs or APRs until 1 January 2022.

In summary, the key changes include the following:

Transition phases

As mentioned above, in order to enable existing CMIs to implement the required changes under the amendments, the CMA has introduced a two-phased approach. As such, the following amended provisions will be effective as of 1 January 2022:

All other amendments to the SBRs and the CMIRs will have effect as of 01 November 2022.

In detail

Changes to the scope of Securities Activities, types of authorisations and minimum capital requirements

A number of amendments to the scope of authorisations and minimum capital requirements for each of the five categories of Securities Activities have been made which will come into effect on 1 January 2022, as part of the phased approach.

Of the changes, perhaps the most significant is the expansion of the Advising activity to include financial planning or wealth management and the reduction in the minimum capital requirement for a Managing license where activities are limited to making investment decisions for non-real estate investment funds (but not operating these funds) or discretionary management of client portfolios.

Change to client classification and potential implications

One of the most significant changes reflected in the new CMIRs, with perhaps some of the most far reaching practical implications, is the change to the client classification which will take effect on 1 January 2022.

Under the CMIRs, from 1 January 2022, clients must be classified as either:

Under the changes, with a few exceptions, all requirements which were previously limited in application to clients classified as customers are now applicable, or will become applicable from 1 January 2022 to all clients regardless of classification.

The above changes to client classification and the consequential changes to other provisions will have far reaching consequences for CMIs. In particular, the re-classification of all clients in accordance with the new regime could be administratively burdensome for CMIs with large client bases. Moreover, CMIs whose client base has historically been limited to Counterparties will likely have to develop new processes, procedures and documentation to apply the requirements (previously only applicable to customers) to their clients.

However, as noted above, existing CMA licensees have until 1 January 2022 to implement these processes and become compliant with the amended provisions.

Narrowing the Securities Advertisement Exemptions

A significant development is the amendment to Article 20(4) of the SBRs, often referred to as the Securities Advertisement Exemption. Previously, this provision excluded Securities Advertisements from needing to either be made or approved by a CMI when directed only at other CMIs, Exempt Persons or Investment Institutions. The amendments have removed Investment Institutions from this exemption and, consequently, those relying on the previous provision to market to family offices, corporates and even large corporate subsidiaries of governmental entities on a cross-border basis, will potentially be affected.

Codifying corporate governance requirements applicable to CMIs

New provisions in Article 53 and Annex 6.1 of the CMIRs have been added (not previously included in the draft CMIRs circulated in December 2019) which codify the governance requirements set out in CMA Circular No. S/3/6/6970/18 dated 31 October 2018.

These include provisions addressing: (i) the inclusion of independent directors on the CMIs board; (ii) an obligation on the board to establish a corporate governance framework infrastructure; (iii) the issuance and content of an annual report; and (iv) controls in cases where the CMI is a subsidiary of a local bank.

Article 53 clarifies that the requirements above do not apply CMIs which are limited liability companies or whose authorisation type is limited to managing investments, arranging or advising.

These are just a sample of some of the recent amendments. We have put together a full client briefing note which analyzes the changes outlined in this client alert, as well as a wide range of other significant amendments, in greater detail.

Follow this link:
Publication of the New CMIRs and Amendments to the SBRs by the CMA in Saudi Arabia - Lexology

With social distancing requirements in effect at Statesboro City Hall, officials were working out how to accommodate more people for a Tuesday morning hearing on the proposed Nondiscrimination and Equity Ordinance.

This story was written Monday, when it remained to be seen whether there would be any actual crowd for City Councils 9 a.m. Tuesday meeting. The nondiscrimination package was the first of four proposed new ordinances on the agenda for their official first hearings and potential council votes. If a first reading is approved, a second hearing and council vote would be required at a later date for the new city law to take effect.

I really dont know, City Manager Charles Penny said when asked if a larger number of hearing speakers than usual would attend. There have been some social media posts out there, and some may have been specifically about the meeting. But we are trying to anticipate that there might be some folks to come and speak about the ordinance. Statesboro City Manager Charles Penny

With the six-foot spacing, usually only 16 chairs are set up in the public area inside the council chambers, and three of those are reserved for news media. Outside the chambers, another eight seats will be provided in two alcoves along the hallway on City Halls second floor. When those are full, anyone else will have to remain downstairs, Penny said.

But its a public hearing, so anyone that wants to speak has to be given the opportunity to speak, he said.

So if others are waiting outside to do so, speakers would have to leave the room after their turn to let someone else come in, Penny said.

As of midday Monday he had received one call, his administrative assistant another call and the city clerk two calls from people interested in the Nondiscrimination and Equity Ordinance hearing, Penny said. These were from people on both sides of the issue, and council members may have received additional calls, he noted.

The nondiscrimination ordinance would prohibit businesses, landlords and to some extent nonprofit organizations in Statesboro from discriminating on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or military status. These protections would apply in hiring and employment, in housing and the sale or rental of real estate in general and in public accommodations.

As proposed, the ordinance states that complaints will be referred first to a mediator for non-binding mediation and, if not settled there, to a hearing officer. The hearing officer could apply a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first violation or a fine of up to $1,000 or suspension or loss of a business occupational tax certificate, informally known as a business license, for subsequent violations.

License revocations could be appealed to the mayor and council.

The proposal includes some exemptions for religious organizations and private clubs.

But on two previous appearances before the mayor and council, Reid Derr, a retired East Georgia State College history professor speaking as a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, voiced an objection that the exemption for religious organizations, as proposed, does not go far enough.

Conscientious objection has a long and venerated history in the United States, and thats really in a sense what Im addressing today, Derr said during the Sept. 15 work session.

Although usually associated with refusals of wartime military service, conscientious objection really means the objection of people to cooperating with, encouraging or advancing social and political and religious doctrines or positions that they in good conscience oppose, he said.

As you expand nondiscrimination legislation, you tend then to press or disadvantage other aspects of the rights of people, Derr said. For example, in particular Im concerned with the First Amendment freedom of speech and the right to freely practice ones religion.

He presented council two requested changes to the proposed ordinance.

The first would add that nothing in it shall prevent a religious believer or person with other conscientious objection from refusing based on religious faith or personal conscience to cooperate in, encourage, propagate or advance social, political and religious doctrines, positions or actions or statements that the person in good conscience objects to, Derr said.

U.S. courts have shown a tendency to expand the interpretation of laws, leading to too much opportunity to use law aggressively against people that we disagree with, he said.

Derr cited the case of Kelvin Cochran, the otherwise distinguished former Atlanta fire chief fired by the city of Atlanta in 2015 after he published a book through his church describing homosexuality as a sin. Cochran sued, and after a complex ruling by a U.S. District Court judge in 2017, the city of Atlanta agreed to pay him and his attorneys $1.2 million to settle the suit.

In other words, City Council would want to avoid people using this ordinance to attack people they dont like and attack their views, and thats why I proposed that one, Derr said of his amendment proposal.

Among other lawsuits he noted were the Masterpiece Cakeshop case from Colorado and the Arlenes Flowers case in Washington state. Both involved business owners who refused to provide services for same-sex weddings.

There are these cases where the aggressive use of statute has really hurt especially small business that doesnt have a bevy of lawyers on staff to be able to defend itself, Derr said.

He said he would not want to see anyone who disagreed with (him) persecuted or disadvantaged in any way but also does not want individuals who take what he understands as the biblical view of marriage to face lawsuits that could force them into bankruptcy.

The other suggested amendment he presented was actually from the Rev. Roland Barnes, Trinity Presbyterians senior pastor, Derr said.

As currently drafted, a subsection of the proposed city law states in part, Nothing in this ordinance shall prohibit a religious organization to employ an individual of a particular religion to perform work connected with the performance of religious activities by the religious organization.

Barnes, through Derr, proposed more specific language to allow a religious organization to restrict hiring to people who are in agreement and complying with the founding principles and beliefs of the organization, as expressed in doctrinal statements and confessions of faith.

Noting the limitation on fines and the absence of restrictions on speech, Statesboro City Attorney Cain Smith suggested that the kind of legal battles Derr talked about were unlikely to result from Statesboros ordinance.

Other jurisdictions in the state that have adopted antidiscrimination ordinances have had the exact same language that we have set out in (the religious exemption clause), and that is in line with what the federal law has said so far, Smith said. Mayor Jonathan McCollar

Mayor Jonathan McCollar said city officials appreciated Derrs input and were willing to listen further. But McCollar asserted that the citys proposal reflects established federal law and that a more detailed religious exemption could invite legal challenges instead of preventing them.

Were not going beyond anything at the federal level, he told Derr. So I think what youre asking us to do would get us into trouble.

The nondiscrimination and equity package, drafted by Smith and the One Boro Commission with input from council members, contains other provisions that have been previously reported.

Go here to read the rest:
Nondiscrimination ordinance may draw further public input - Statesboro Herald

What's the deal: The First Amendment

Updated: 2:47 PM EDT Sep 24, 2020

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What's the deal with the First Amendment? This is the one that protects the freedoms of speech, religion, the press, assembly and petition. But how far does that protection actually go now? This is arguably the most important amendment in the bill of Rights. In fact, some states wouldn't ratify the Constitution until the framers promised something like this would be added. And this is what they came up with. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Now, essentially, this means that the government can't tell you what to believe or control what you say, and it gives every American the power to speak out. But let's dig a little deeper into the nuance. Freedom of religion is the separation of church and state, And while those words never actually show up in the document, the First Amendment stops the government from creating a state religion like with the Church of England. Obviously, Judeo Christian language is woven into the fabric of American history and even the money. But the Supreme Court is laid out specific guidelines for how to make sure our laws are constitutional and don't promote or put down any particular religion. It also means that everyone can believe in what they want. Thio, the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press essentially go hand in hand. Now, generally speaking, the government can't stop you or punish you for what you say or what you write, even if people find it offensive like hate speech or non verbal protests like flag burning. Remember, our country's founders had just broken from a king, so they wanted to make sure that we, the people, could expose a corrupt or tyrannical government. You could even talk some smack about government leaders for whatever reason. You want thio without the fear of being put in prison or worse. But not all speech is free. True threats and even fighting words are not protected by the Constitution. And while the government can't dictate what you say, it can restrict where and when. The press also can't just print whatever it wants to. Because of libel laws. You can successfully sue someone if you can prove that they printed something harmful and knew that it wasn't true. But one thing that's often misunderstood the First Amendment's protection of free speech Onley applies to the government. Ah, private company could kick you out or fire you for doing or saying something that violates its personal code of conduct. Our guys, I think they were good, and that's the deal with Sorry, My very excited and very loud friends do have a point there exercising their freedoms of assembly. In petition, they often get overlooked. But these two kind of support all the others, Whether it's an email threat, a march or lawsuit, they allow us to push the government to fix things that we think it's doing wrong, all in an effort to form a more perfect union. And that is the deal with the First AmendmentWhat's the deal with the First Amendment? This is the one that protects the freedoms of speech, religion, the press, assembly and petition. But how far does that protection actually go now? This is arguably the most important amendment in the bill of Rights. In fact, some states wouldn't ratify the Constitution until the framers promised something like this would be added. And this is what they came up with. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Now, essentially, this means that the government can't tell you what to believe or control what you say, and it gives every American the power to speak out. But let's dig a little deeper into the nuance. Freedom of religion is the separation of church and state, And while those words never actually show up in the document, the First Amendment stops the government from creating a state religion like with the Church of England. Obviously, Judeo Christian language is woven into the fabric of American history and even the money. But the Supreme Court is laid out specific guidelines for how to make sure our laws are constitutional and don't promote or put down any particular religion. It also means that everyone can believe in what they want. Thio, the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press essentially go hand in hand. Now, generally speaking, the government can't stop you or punish you for what you say or what you write, even if people find it offensive like hate speech or non verbal protests like flag burning. Remember, our country's founders had just broken from a king, so they wanted to make sure that we, the people, could expose a corrupt or tyrannical government. You could even talk some smack about government leaders for whatever reason. You want thio without the fear of being put in prison or worse. But not all speech is free. True threats and even fighting words are not protected by the Constitution. And while the government can't dictate what you say, it can restrict where and when. The press also can't just print whatever it wants to. Because of libel laws. You can successfully sue someone if you can prove that they printed something harmful and knew that it wasn't true. But one thing that's often misunderstood the First Amendment's protection of free speech Onley applies to the government. Ah, private company could kick you out or fire you for doing or saying something that violates its personal code of conduct. Our guys, I think they were good, and that's the deal with Sorry, My very excited and very loud friends do have a point there exercising their freedoms of assembly. In petition, they often get overlooked. But these two kind of support all the others, Whether it's an email threat, a march or lawsuit, they allow us to push the government to fix things that we think it's doing wrong, all in an effort to form a more perfect union. And that is the deal with the First Amendment

What's the deal: The First Amendment

Updated: 2:47 PM EDT Sep 24, 2020

What's the deal with the First Amendment? What does it mean? What exactly does it protect? And why is it so important?Friday marks the 231st anniversary of the passage of the First Amendment (and the rest of the Bill of Rights). It protects your freedoms of speech and religion and allows you to peacefully assemble and petition the government about your grievances. What the video above to see how the First Amendment protects your everyday actions and what's not protected by it.

What's the deal with the First Amendment? What does it mean? What exactly does it protect? And why is it so important?

Friday marks the 231st anniversary of the passage of the First Amendment (and the rest of the Bill of Rights).

It protects your freedoms of speech and religion and allows you to peacefully assemble and petition the government about your grievances.

What the video above to see how the First Amendment protects your everyday actions and what's not protected by it.

Read more from the original source:
What's the deal: The First Amendment - WBAL Baltimore

WPBF 25 Editorial: The First Amendment

Updated: 11:55 AM EDT Sep 28, 2020

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[CAPTIONING PERFORMED BY THE NATIONAL CAPTIONING INSTITUTE, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS CAPTION CONTENT AND ACCURACY. VISIT NCICAP.ORG] >> THIS IS A WPBF 25 EDITORIAL, HERE IS THE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER. >> IT WAS 231 YEARS AGO TODAY ON SEPTEMBER 25, 1789 THAT CONGRESS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. 10 OF THESE AMENDMENTS WOULD BECOME THE BILL OF RIGHTS. THESE AMENDMENTS PROTECT OUR INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES AND FREEDOMS, INCLUDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT, WHICH EMPOWERS US ALL. THE AMENDMENT STATES, CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH OR OF THE PRESS OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES. THE FIRST AMENDMENT EMPOWERS JOURNALISTS BECAUSE OUR VIEWERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW, THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD, AND THE RIGHT TO DECIDE. DELIVERING ON THAT COMMITMENT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY, WHICH INCLUDES REPORTING THE FACTS, BRINGING YOU THE COMPLETE STORY, HOLDING THE POWERFUL ACCOUNTABLE, AND GIVING YOU A VOICE, ESPECIALLY DURING THESE PIVOTAL EVENTS, TRUSTED NEWS SOURCES HAVE SHOWN HOW ESSENTIAL A FREE PRESS IS TO KEEPING PEOPLE INFORMED. WPBF 25 AND ALL OF THE JOURNALISTS OF HERS TELEVISION ALONG WITH OTHER TELEVISION BROADCASTERS JOIN FORCES WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS. WE HONOR THIS HISTORIC MILESTONE AND CONTINUE TO CARRY OUT A MISSION ENVISIONED BY OUR FOUNDING FATHERS THAT SERVES AS AN IMPORTANT PILLAR OF AMERICAS DEMOCRACY.

WPBF 25 Editorial: The First Amendment

Updated: 11:55 AM EDT Sep 28, 2020

WPBF 25's President and General Manager Caroline Taplett discusses the importance of celebrating the First Amendment.

WPBF 25's President and General Manager Caroline Taplett discusses the importance of celebrating the First Amendment.

See the article here:
WPBF 25 Editorial: The First Amendment - WPBF West Palm Beach

What's the deal with the First Amendment? This is the one that protects the freedoms of speech, religion, the press, assembly and petition. But how far does that protection actually go now? This is arguably the most important amendment in the bill of Rights. In fact, some states wouldn't ratify the Constitution until the framers promised something like this would be added. And this is what they came up with. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Now, essentially, this means that the government can't tell you what to believe or control what you say, and it gives every American the power to speak out. But let's dig a little deeper into the nuance. Freedom of religion is the separation of church and state, And while those words never actually show up in the document, the First Amendment stops the government from creating a state religion like with the Church of England. Obviously, Judeo Christian language is woven into the fabric of American history and even the money. But the Supreme Court is laid out specific guidelines for how to make sure our laws are constitutional and don't promote or put down any particular religion. It also means that everyone can believe in what they want. Thio, the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press essentially go hand in hand. Now, generally speaking, the government can't stop you or punish you for what you say or what you write, even if people find it offensive like hate speech or non verbal protests like flag burning. Remember, our country's founders had just broken from a king, so they wanted to make sure that we, the people, could expose a corrupt or tyrannical government. You could even talk some smack about government leaders for whatever reason. You want thio without the fear of being put in prison or worse. But not all speech is free. True threats and even fighting words are not protected by the Constitution. And while the government can't dictate what you say, it can restrict where and when. The press also can't just print whatever it wants to. Because of libel laws. You can successfully sue someone if you can prove that they printed something harmful and knew that it wasn't true. But one thing that's often misunderstood the First Amendment's protection of free speech Onley applies to the government. Ah, private company could kick you out or fire you for doing or saying something that violates its personal code of conduct. Our guys, I think they were good, and that's the deal with Sorry, My very excited and very loud friends do have a point there exercising their freedoms of assembly. In petition, they often get overlooked. But these two kind of support all the others, Whether it's an email threat, a march or lawsuit, they allow us to push the government to fix things that we think it's doing wrong, all in an effort to form a more perfect union. And that is the deal with the First AmendmentWhat's the deal with the First Amendment? This is the one that protects the freedoms of speech, religion, the press, assembly and petition. But how far does that protection actually go now? This is arguably the most important amendment in the bill of Rights. In fact, some states wouldn't ratify the Constitution until the framers promised something like this would be added. And this is what they came up with. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Now, essentially, this means that the government can't tell you what to believe or control what you say, and it gives every American the power to speak out. But let's dig a little deeper into the nuance. Freedom of religion is the separation of church and state, And while those words never actually show up in the document, the First Amendment stops the government from creating a state religion like with the Church of England. Obviously, Judeo Christian language is woven into the fabric of American history and even the money. But the Supreme Court is laid out specific guidelines for how to make sure our laws are constitutional and don't promote or put down any particular religion. It also means that everyone can believe in what they want. Thio, the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press essentially go hand in hand. Now, generally speaking, the government can't stop you or punish you for what you say or what you write, even if people find it offensive like hate speech or non verbal protests like flag burning. Remember, our country's founders had just broken from a king, so they wanted to make sure that we, the people, could expose a corrupt or tyrannical government. You could even talk some smack about government leaders for whatever reason. You want thio without the fear of being put in prison or worse. But not all speech is free. True threats and even fighting words are not protected by the Constitution. And while the government can't dictate what you say, it can restrict where and when. The press also can't just print whatever it wants to. Because of libel laws. You can successfully sue someone if you can prove that they printed something harmful and knew that it wasn't true. But one thing that's often misunderstood the First Amendment's protection of free speech Onley applies to the government. Ah, private company could kick you out or fire you for doing or saying something that violates its personal code of conduct. Our guys, I think they were good, and that's the deal with Sorry, My very excited and very loud friends do have a point there exercising their freedoms of assembly. In petition, they often get overlooked. But these two kind of support all the others, Whether it's an email threat, a march or lawsuit, they allow us to push the government to fix things that we think it's doing wrong, all in an effort to form a more perfect union. And that is the deal with the First Amendment

First Amendment anniversary: What it says, why it's a cornerstone of democracy

Updated: 4:57 PM CDT Sep 25, 2020

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."Friday marks 231 years since the passage of the First Amendment, protecting the freedoms of speech, religion, the press, to assemble peacefully and to petition the government. The day Sept. 25 is known as First Amendment Day. It was one of several amendments proposed by Congress on Sept. 25, 1789, and sent to the states to ratify. Those amendments together are known as the Bill of Rights. But the cornerstone of the Bill of Rights is the First Amendment. Centuries of U.S. history show the rights in action. Freedom of religion: When the colonists came to the New World, they were, in part, fleeing from religious persecution. This right, built into the Constitution, means that the U.S. can't declare a national religion. It can't persecute someone for their religious beliefs. Freedom of speech: This freedom is one of the more litigated in the First Amendment. The U.S. court system hears Freedom of Speech cases frequently. Here are some of the protections the court system has decided fall under freedom of speech: In West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette, the court decided the right not to salute the flag was protected under the First AmendmentIn Tinker v. Des Moines, the Supreme Court ruled that students had the right to wear black armbands to school to protest a war under freedom of speechIn Cohen v. California, the court said using certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages was protectedIn Texas v. Johnson and United States v. Eichman, the court decided burning the flag in protest of something was protected. Here are some things the court says are not protected by freedom of speech:In Schenck v. United States, the court ruled that inciting actions that would harm others (e.g., Shouting "fire" in a crowded theater) is not protected speech. In Bethel School District #43 v. Fraser, the Supreme Court ruled that the rights of students to make an obscene speech at a school-sponsored event was not covered.In Roth v. United States, the court ruled that making or distributing obscene materials was not protected by the freedom of speech. Freedom of the press: Simply put, freedom of the press is protection against government meddling in the media. It means that the government can't tell the media what they can and cannot report, nor can they prosecute the media for what they do or don't report. This freedom has also played out in the court system.In 1931, the case of Near v. Minnesota, helped define freedom of the press. A newspaper editor printed an article saying some local officials were associated with gangsters. The state obtained an injunction under a law that said the newspaper could be stopped from publishing malicious, scandalous or defamatory material. The Supreme Court ruled that Minnesota law restricted freedom of the press. In 1988, the court issued a landmark ruling in the case of Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier. This time, a high school newspaper was barred from publishing two articles the school's principal found inappropriate. The court ruled that schools have to be able to set high standards for speech disseminated under school supervision, saying the principal's actions did not violate the student's right to freedom of speech or freedom of press. Freedom to peaceably assemble: This protection gives people the right to protest peacefully, but the court has ruled that there are limits to this part of the first amendment. In Shuttlesworth v. Birmingham, a case argued before the Supreme Court in 1969, the court ruled that requiring a permit to assemble on city streets was unconstitutional. But the decision also allowed cities to deny permits in publicly owned places if they have a compelling reason, like public safety, to do so. In other cases, courts have ruled that requiring permits for a planned peaceful protest are constitutional, but gatherings in response to breaking news are not required to have a permit. Cities are also allowed to regulate aspects of a protest, like the time or place.Freedom to petition the government: This right was included after the British government ignored the U.S. founders' list of grievances. The founders had previously petitioned their concerns about the British government and instead of addressing them, the government only made things worse for the U.S. So, when the founders were writing the constitution, they included both the right to assemble and petition in the initial draft of the first amendment. Freedoms of speech, religion and the press came later, but were included before the final draft was voted on in Congress. According to the Freedom Forum Institute, in 2020, petitioning is any nonviolent means of encouraging or showing dissent of government actions. This includes letter writing, lobbying, emailing, calling or even signing an online petition. The First Amendment - among our most important in the constitution - offers anyone in the United States protection, not just citizens.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Friday marks 231 years since the passage of the First Amendment, protecting the freedoms of speech, religion, the press, to assemble peacefully and to petition the government.

The day Sept. 25 is known as First Amendment Day.

It was one of several amendments proposed by Congress on Sept. 25, 1789, and sent to the states to ratify. Those amendments together are known as the Bill of Rights.

But the cornerstone of the Bill of Rights is the First Amendment. Centuries of U.S. history show the rights in action.

Freedom of religion: When the colonists came to the New World, they were, in part, fleeing from religious persecution. This right, built into the Constitution, means that the U.S. can't declare a national religion. It can't persecute someone for their religious beliefs.

Freedom of speech: This freedom is one of the more litigated in the First Amendment. The U.S. court system hears Freedom of Speech cases frequently. Here are some of the protections the court system has decided fall under freedom of speech:

Here are some things the court says are not protected by freedom of speech:

Freedom of the press: Simply put, freedom of the press is protection against government meddling in the media. It means that the government can't tell the media what they can and cannot report, nor can they prosecute the media for what they do or don't report. This freedom has also played out in the court system.

In 1931, the case of Near v. Minnesota, helped define freedom of the press. A newspaper editor printed an article saying some local officials were associated with gangsters. The state obtained an injunction under a law that said the newspaper could be stopped from publishing malicious, scandalous or defamatory material. The Supreme Court ruled that Minnesota law restricted freedom of the press.

In 1988, the court issued a landmark ruling in the case of Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier. This time, a high school newspaper was barred from publishing two articles the school's principal found inappropriate. The court ruled that schools have to be able to set high standards for speech disseminated under school supervision, saying the principal's actions did not violate the student's right to freedom of speech or freedom of press.

Freedom to peaceably assemble: This protection gives people the right to protest peacefully, but the court has ruled that there are limits to this part of the first amendment.

In Shuttlesworth v. Birmingham, a case argued before the Supreme Court in 1969, the court ruled that requiring a permit to assemble on city streets was unconstitutional. But the decision also allowed cities to deny permits in publicly owned places if they have a compelling reason, like public safety, to do so. In other cases, courts have ruled that requiring permits for a planned peaceful protest are constitutional, but gatherings in response to breaking news are not required to have a permit. Cities are also allowed to regulate aspects of a protest, like the time or place.

Freedom to petition the government: This right was included after the British government ignored the U.S. founders' list of grievances. The founders had previously petitioned their concerns about the British government and instead of addressing them, the government only made things worse for the U.S. So, when the founders were writing the constitution, they included both the right to assemble and petition in the initial draft of the first amendment. Freedoms of speech, religion and the press came later, but were included before the final draft was voted on in Congress. According to the Freedom Forum Institute, in 2020, petitioning is any nonviolent means of encouraging or showing dissent of government actions. This includes letter writing, lobbying, emailing, calling or even signing an online petition.

The First Amendment - among our most important in the constitution - offers anyone in the United States protection, not just citizens.

Originally posted here:
First Amendment anniversary: What it says, why it's a cornerstone of democracy - KETV Omaha