Laramie Amends Unconstitutional Sign Law

LARAMIE — The Laramie City Council adopted an ordinance last night removing the unconstitutional time limitations imposed by the Laramie Unified Development Code on political signs following an accelerated review process that began with a June 30 notice to Laramie City Officials from WyLiberty staff attorney identifying constitutional violations in the City's sign regulations.

The City of Laramie's sign ordinance trampled on the right of city residents who wanted to communicate the most basic of political messages: early and continued support for a politician, thankfully, the City recognized the censorial effect of its political sign time limits and removed that form of political censorship last night, upholding a freedom at the very core of the First Amendment.

Wyliberty alerted the City of Laramie to Constitutional deficiencies in its sign ordinance in June, noting the City of Cheyenne's history of losing legal challenges to similar sign restrictions. The City of Laramie acted immediately to place amendments to the sign ordinance on its agenda and to advance those changes quickly, culminating in final action on the resulting Original Ordinance No. 1989 last night.

The urgency demonstrated by the Laramie City Staff and City Council in removing the unconstitutional language and restoring free political speech is an example of the commitment to constitutional rights that local elected leaders, officials, and citizens in all Wyoming communities should exhibit. Those Laramie residents who addressed the Laramie City Council supporting this act of deregulation also show how informed, engaged citizens can take a stand for liberty and constitutional rights for all.