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Victory for LGBTQ speaker fired from Navy Pride event for criticizing Trump!


International human rights activist Melanie Nathan and her attorney, Lisa Bloom, recently protested the U.S. Navy’s written decision to fire her from an agreed-to Pride Month speaking event based on Ms. Nathan’s anti-Trump tweets. On June 22, 2018, Ms. Bloom sent a letter to the Navy explaining that this was a clear violation of Ms. Nathan’s First Amendment rights, since “just weeks ago, a federal judge declared that Mr. Trump violated the First Amendment for blocking citizens on Twitter who were critical of him, saying “when the government . . . actively restricts ‘the right of an individual to speak freely [and] to advocate ideas,’ it treads into territory proscribed by the First Amendment.â€

In response, the Navy recently sent Ms. Bloom a letter that it “sincerely regrets any inconvenience this has caused Ms. Nathan,†and sent her a check for the full amount she had been promised for the speaking engagement. This is an important victory for free speech rights.

“It is well settled constitutional law that Americans have the right to criticize our government. Political speech garners the highest level of First Amendment protection. As President Trump daily attempts to destroy our democratic norms of equality, diversity, freedom of the press, freedom of speech and so many others, we want everyone to know that you can stand up for your rights – and win,†says Ms. Bloom. “Ms. Nathan is a shining example of the courage it takes to oppose the U.S. government’s growing authoritarianism, and I hope she inspires others to stand up for their rights.â€
Ms. Nathan is not required to maintain any confidentiality about this settlement. And she intends to continue to speak out.

“I am grateful for all the support I have received during this time. When I became a United States Citizen I took an oath to support and defend our Constitution and my speaking out helms that responsibility. Today after seeing Donald J. Trump, in his capacity as President of the United States, so shamefully capitulate American interests on the international stage in Helsinki, I am more resolved than ever to assert my First Amendment rights and to fight any attempt to silence me,†says Ms. Nathan.

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