I honestly cannot believe I am typing this but the city actually pulled back from the sale and our street is going to stay public after all. It feels like a massive weight has been lifted even though I know we still need to keep our eyes on the local …
December 17, 2016
Final supporters
PETITION
We the citizens of Manti, Utah, Sanpete County, the State of Utah, and USA Citizens from all across our nation petition the ACLU of Utah to fight for our Constitutional rights of Free Speech, Freedom of Expression, and Freedom of Religion. These protected rights are in grave danger of being severely restricted in Manti, Utah.
Manti City has entered into negotiations with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to sell them a public street (100 E, north of 400 N, to the intersection of Hwy 89 -- the street west of the Manti Temple).
We have reasons to believe the ultimate purpose behind the sale of this public street is to discriminate against the Atheists, Buddhists, Agnostics, Christians, Polygamists, and open minded Mormons who have enjoyed friendly conversation prior to the Manti Pageant each year for the past 35 years.
We have already experienced the heavy hand of the LDS Church and the restrictions of our Constitutionally protected rights on Main Street Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City when the LDS Church made a similar purchase. “Main Street Plaza” is a vivid example of how a religious entity can manipulate a circumstance and then strip the public of their constitutional rights. Please don't allow this to happen to us again.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
October 25, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
October 22, 2016
October 20, 2016
I keep staring at the signature count because we are sitting right on the edge of triple digits and I really think hitting that milestone is how we get the attention of the people who need to be listening. If you could just ping a few neighbors or family members right now I think we might actually push this over the top before I even finish my coffee.
211 Comments
I have come to Manti for this event for the last 6 consecutive years. As a retired Army Officer, I find it so wrong that such a move would be made by the LDS Church to limit our freedom of speech. Please do not let this happen.
I have lived in Sanpete County for 25 years and I not only want to protect freedom of speech for all, but also the freedom to be able to get into meaningful conversation and new friendships. No church organization should have to right to buy PUBLIC property where they take away the rights from citizens.
My question is what does the church have to be afraid of? The Christians who gather on this street are not antagonistic we simply speak the truth and have great civil conversations. I think them buying the street takes away freedom of speech and should not be tolerated by any church or business.
I have been to Manti for 9 years. The interactions and friendships I have established are amazing. A private corporation purchasing a city street is against the essence of the 1st amendment. The freedom to openly share one's faith is vital to the continuing of the 1st amendment.
I forgot to mention that I live in San Antonio Texas and have been to the pageant every year since 2000 (17 years). We have a letter from a former Manti Stake President THANKING us for our efforts in lowering contention and bringing a "Christian-like feeling" to the pageant.
The street should be a place for the free exchange of ideas.
No street should be sold - they are public spaces for everyone, not just one particular religion! Please protect equality and freedom of speech!
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I honestly cannot believe I am typing this but the city actually pulled back from the sale and our street is going to stay public after all. It feels like a massive weight has been lifted even though I know we still need to keep our eyes on the local …
December 17, 2016
Final supporters
PETITION
We the citizens of Manti, Utah, Sanpete County, the State of Utah, and USA Citizens from all across our nation petition the ACLU of Utah to fight for our Constitutional rights of Free Speech, Freedom of Expression, and Freedom of Religion. These protected rights are in grave danger of being severely restricted in Manti, Utah.
Manti City has entered into negotiations with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to sell them a public street (100 E, north of 400 N, to the intersection of Hwy 89 -- the street west of the Manti Temple).
We have reasons to believe the ultimate purpose behind the sale of this public street is to discriminate against the Atheists, Buddhists, Agnostics, Christians, Polygamists, and open minded Mormons who have enjoyed friendly conversation prior to the Manti Pageant each year for the past 35 years.
We have already experienced the heavy hand of the LDS Church and the restrictions of our Constitutionally protected rights on Main Street Plaza in downtown Salt Lake City when the LDS Church made a similar purchase. “Main Street Plaza” is a vivid example of how a religious entity can manipulate a circumstance and then strip the public of their constitutional rights. Please don't allow this to happen to us again.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
October 25, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
October 22, 2016
October 20, 2016
I keep staring at the signature count because we are sitting right on the edge of triple digits and I really think hitting that milestone is how we get the attention of the people who need to be listening. If you could just ping a few neighbors or family members right now I think we might actually push this over the top before I even finish my coffee.
211 Comments
I have been attending the Manti pageant for 10 years, to engage with people in friendly conversation, this attempt to buy the street would severely hamper my freedom of speech, please don't allow this street to be sold. Sincerely Douglas
I have come to Manti for this event for the last 6 consecutive years. As a retired Army Officer, I find it so wrong that such a move would be made by the LDS Church to limit our freedom of speech. Please do not let this happen.
I have lived in Sanpete County for 25 years and I not only want to protect freedom of speech for all, but also the freedom to be able to get into meaningful conversation and new friendships. No church organization should have to right to buy PUBLIC property where they take away the rights from citizens.
My question is what does the church have to be afraid of? The Christians who gather on this street are not antagonistic we simply speak the truth and have great civil conversations. I think them buying the street takes away freedom of speech and should not be tolerated by any church or business.
I have been to Manti for 9 years. The interactions and friendships I have established are amazing. A private corporation purchasing a city street is against the essence of the 1st amendment. The freedom to openly share one's faith is vital to the continuing of the 1st amendment.
I forgot to mention that I live in San Antonio Texas and have been to the pageant every year since 2000 (17 years). We have a letter from a former Manti Stake President THANKING us for our efforts in lowering contention and bringing a "Christian-like feeling" to the pageant.
The street should be a place for the free exchange of ideas.
No street should be sold - they are public spaces for everyone, not just one particular religion! Please protect equality and freedom of speech!
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I have been attending the Manti pageant for 10 years, to engage with people in friendly conversation, this attempt to buy the street would severely hamper my freedom of speech, please don't allow this street to be sold. Sincerely Douglas