Metamora, Michigan: Unconstitutional public comment policy enables town to stifle criticism

On March 11, 2024, the Metamora Township Board enacted a Public Time Policy which governs public comment periods at board meetings. The policy bans “name-calling,” making any “personal statement” or “profane statement about any person,” and “verbally attacking the Supervisor/Chairman.” The policy also gives the supervisor/chairman total discretion over whether to permit a speaker to exceed the three-minute time limit. 

On August 14, FIRE wrote the town explaining the First Amendment protects residents’ right to comment on matters of public concern and that the policy is unconstitutionally viewpoint-discriminatory, vague, and overbroad.