DALLAS (AP) — A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order preventing a North Texas city from enforcing an ordinance that a gun rights group says violates its free speech rights.
The court order issued Monday puts the Arlington ordinance — barring people from handing out printed material at busy intersections and roads — on hold while a lawsuit filed by Open Carry Tarrant County is resolved.
The ordinance has been in place since 1994. City officials say it has nothing to do with the gun rights organization and is intended to protect pedestrians and motorists.
U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor said the ordinance restricts the group’s First Amendment rights and Arlington failed to present any evidence to support its contention the ordinance addresses the city’s concerns over pedestrian and traffic safety.