BREAKING: US Supreme Court Ruling is Good News for Sign Industry
US Supreme Court Rules Against City in Church Sign Case
“Far reaching decision will affect sign codes throughout the country.” ~ Jeff Aran, The Sign Lawyer
In Reed v. Town of Gilbert, the Good News Community Church was cited for exceeding the time limits for displaying temporary directional signs and failing to include an event date on the signs. Their website includes this friendly message, “On the south side of Elliot, Just west of Gilbert Road. Signs will direct you to the room where we meet.”
Reversing the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in a much anticipated decision, the US Supreme Court ruled June 17 that the city of Gilbert, AZ sign code was an unconstitutional restriction on speech. The court held, among many other points, that the code is an example of content-based discrimination, which “singles out specific subject matter for differential treatment, even if it does not target viewpoints within that subject matter.” The court also ruled that a code which is content-based on its face is nonetheless subject to “strict scrutiny” analysis, regardless of the government’s motive, content-neutral justification, or lack of disagreement with the ideas contained in the regulated speech.
As a result, sign codes which include provisions favoring certain messages based on who is “speaking” will be subject to constitutional attack. CSA will provide a full analysis shortly.
Complete decision: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/13-502_9olb.pdf
To review the Signage Foundation assessment by Professor Alan Weinstein, “Drafting and Enforcing Sign Codes after Reed v Town of Gilbert,” click here —
Signage Research Review (PDF)
Teresa M. Young has been a consultant to entrepreneurs since 1986, in both retail and B2B sectors. In 1991, she became President of Sign Biz, Inc., a full-service business development company. Young sits on multiple boards, including as Past Chairwoman of both the International Sign Association (ISA) and California Sign Association. She is an accomplished code writer, web developer and contributor to the Git Repository. Young is also an in-demand speaker, engaging business owners with topical and powerful business insights and strategies in support of best business practices and modern marketing strategies under her MintyWorks and Coffee with T brands. 200 click-and-mortar enterprises were established under the Sign Biz business model with more than $19,000,000 worth of SBA-backed funding for these businesses.