A local Houston church (although it’s a leftist church, not a traditional one) and a local coffee shop are in the center of a challenge, opposing the mandatory display of Texas handgun trespass signs.
They claim that having to post the signs violates their First Amendment rights.
“They’re trying to claim that because they disagree with having guns in their establishments, they’re being forced to put these signs out there, that are standardized. Essentially government mandated speech” said Travis Morgan, legal correspondent for Texas Scorecard.
The case is now awaiting a ruling from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.
“In January, both sides briefed the arguments, and we are awaiting a decision” Morgan told KTRH, “I would predict the law stands.”
As Morgan reported, both plaintiffs claim they are directly harmed by the acts because they have banned handguns and are uncomfortable giving oral notice or handing out written notice to each customer, meaning they must comply with the sign requirements should they wish to utilize Texas’ criminal trespass laws.
“Both of these businesses choose to ban firearms, and ban Open and Concealed Carry, they don’t have to put the sign up. They can also give oral notice, or they can pass out cards to every individual that comes into the store. There’s other ways around it” noted Morgan.
The original lawsuit was filed here in Houston, back in 2020. Most experts believe that the church and coffee shop do not have standing.