UPDATE: Brett Raio’s Rights Vindicated in Chicago, but the Fight Continues

In a major victory for free speech and religious liberty, the ACLJ successfully defended a street preacher in Chicago who was wrongfully arrested for sharing the Gospel near Millennium Park. The preacher, Brett Raio, was charged with obstruction and using amplification without a permit – an apparent attempt by law enforcement to restrict his constitutionally protected speech. After a thorough legal defense and key video evidence, the city of Chicago dropped the case. However, new developments prove this is no isolated incident, raising serious concerns about First Amendment rights in Chicago.

A Troubling Development: The Persecution Continues

While Brett’s case ended in victory, what happened next raises even deeper concerns about Chicago’s approach to free speech. Back in December, when Brett was originally charged, he was with two of his friends, Reetik and Perez, who also preach on the streets of Chicago. These friends were even at Brett’s court hearing on Friday. These young men, unafraid of their Christian convictions, continued to preach in the same public areas. Then, on Monday, February 24, Chicago police arrested both of these young men at the same location and for the same spurious charges that led to Brett’s arrest.

This alarming development demonstrates a pattern of enforcement that disregards well-established constitutional protections. The fact that more street preachers are being arrested for peacefully expressing their beliefs indicates that the issue is far from resolved. If the city is intent on continuing to silence street preachers through unlawful arrests, this could have broad implications for free speech – not just for religious speakers, but for anyone engaging in public expression.

The ACLJ is closely monitoring this situation as it continues to unfold, and is now representing these young men as well. We are considering all legal options to put an end to this outrageous Chicago PD practice.

Chicago Law Enforcement Needs Reform

One key takeaway from these events is the urgent need for better education on First Amendment rights among law enforcement officers. The Constitution protects the right of individuals to engage in religious speech in public places without government interference. Unfortunately, it seems that some police officers in Chicago either misunderstand these protections or choose to ignore them.

If police officers had been properly trained on the First Amendment, Brett’s arrest – and now the arrests of Reetik and Perez – likely never would have happened. Instead of upholding the law, these officers appear to be enforcing an unwritten policy of suppressing speech they find inconvenient. That is a dangerous precedent.

Public spaces belong to the people, and the First Amendment guarantees the right to use public spaces for free expression, whether that be religious speech, political speech, or any other form of protected expression. Chicago authorities must recognize that the law does not grant them the power to pick and choose which messages can be shared in public.

The Fight for Free Speech Continues

The dismissal of Brett’s charges was a significant win for religious freedom, but clearly, the battle for First Amendment rights in Chicago is far from over. The arrests of Reetik and Perez demonstrate that serious threats to free speech still exist, and we remain committed to ensuring that constitutional rights are upheld.

The ACLJ will continue to monitor this situation and take action where necessary to defend religious liberty. Every American – regardless of their beliefs – should be able to speak freely in public spaces without fear of arrest. If government officials continue to suppress free speech, we will be ready to stand in defense of the Constitution.