Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Maryland

Fund-raising

Is fund-raising on public property (assuming it's a traditional public forum) by a non-profit organization an "expressive activity" protected by the First Amendment?


Asked on 5/16/00, 7:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Fund-raising

Generally speaking, yes. The "Moonies" settled this issue when challenged concerning their fund raising activities in airports some years ago.

The right, however, is subject to many restrictions. How many people, how one may approach someone for funds, the size of signs being carried, the hours, the places in the public building, that sort of thing. And it is clear that you will need a permit to carry on this activity.

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Answered on 7/05/00, 1:00 am


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