Christian Rally Organizers Sue Seattle Over Violent May Cal Anderson Park Event

Organizers of a conservative Christian rally held by Mayday USA in Seattle's Cal Anderson Park in May are suing the City of Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell, and police officials, alleging violations of their First Amendment rights and religious discrimination. The lawsuit claims the city unfairly denied their permit application for a downtown event near Pike Place Market, forcing the rally into Cal Anderson Park, a central LGBTQ+ neighborhood, which led to violent clashes with counter-protesters and police intervention. The event resulted in multiple arrests and injuries, with the city asserting concerns over public safety and crowd control, while the group argues that the city failed to protect their right to peaceful assembly. Mayor Harrell characterized the rally as provocative due to its opposition to local values, whereas the rally organizers and their legal advocates accuse the city of bias and insufficient protection against violent disruptions. Alliance Defending Freedom and other representatives are pursuing legal action to hold the city accountable for failing to safeguard constitutional rights during the event. The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between religious freedom claims and public safety measures in politically and socially charged demonstrations.