On April 23, the Sixth Circuit issued this opinion in McGlone v Bell, 10-6055. The issue was whether the plaintiff, a Christian who wanted to speak to students on a public college campus, could be barred if he didn’t apply fourteen days in advance before entering the campus. The Sixth Circuit also cast some doubt on the school’s policy that requires the speaker to identify himself or herself and explain the purpose and type of his speech. The latter issue was remanded back to the U.S. District Court for further inquiry.

The college is the Tennessee Technological University, in Cookeville, Tennessee. The decision will be helpful to petitioners throughout the states of the Sixth Circuit, which are Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan.

Colorado City, Arizona, is a stronghold for an offshoot of the Church of Latter Day Saints that still adheres to polygamy. On April 25, the Arizona House defeated SB 1433, which would have ended the ability of cities to have police departments if at least 50% of the police officers of that city have had their certificates revoked during the last eight years. See this story. The bill had passed the State Senate unanimously. It was an attempt to place law enforcement in Colorado City under the control of the Mohave County Sheriff.

On April 26, the Michigan State Board of Canvassers invalidated a statewide referendum petition on the grounds that the title of the measure on the petitions used the wrong font size. The law says it should be in 14 point font. See this story, which says that supporters of the referendum had 140 people in the audience at the Board’s meeting, and these supporters reacted angrily when the decision was made. The Board tied 2-2; a tie keeps the measure off the ballot. Supporters of the referendum had gathered 203,238 signatures. Thanks to Thomas Jones for the link.

It is certain that supporters will challenge the decision in court.