Arizona evangelist sues Tucson over festival ban on religious speech
Street preacher David Hoffman has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Tucson, claiming its festival policy unlawfully bars his gospel outreach.
David Hoffman, a longtime street evangelist, sued the city of Tucson after police warned him he could be arrested for preaching at the Winterhaven Festival of Lights. He alleges officers barred him from sharing his faith and threatened criminal trespassing under a policy that bans religious, political, or issue-based leafleting at the event. The complaint, prepared by First Liberty Institute, contends the rule infringes on his free-speech and free-exercise protections and singles out religious viewpoints.
Police directed Hoffman to a designated “free expression zone,” which he described as impractical for engaging passersby. The city and its police department have declined to comment while the lawsuit proceeds.
Why it matters
The case tests limits on religious expression in public festivals and could affect how municipalities regulate speech.
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