By Laurence M. Vance
October 20, 2026
Do the First Amendment protections of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly mean that a group of people can assemble in your living room without your permission and speak their mind ? I don't know of anyone-no matter what his political persuasion-who would affirm such a thing.
But what about assembling and speaking in "public accommodations"; that is, facilities that are open to the general public and offer goods and/or services for sale ? Opinions differ, and are usually based on the content of what is spoken.