Do Tennesseans Have The Right To Worship? – Franklin Square Controversy Continues 

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –

Murfreesboro resident, Jeff Daniels, was thrown into unexpected controversy last year for simply exercising his First Amendment rights within the City of Franklin.

The initial details of Daniels’ story were covered by The Tennessee Conservative at that time

Daniels started worshiping every Saturday night on the Franklin Square, in July 2020 when many churches had closed their doors in response to Covid-19 regulations.

City ordinance regarding public gatherings was recently changed in August 2022, to require a permit for “gatherings that take place in the square more than once a month, use sound amplification, and have more than 20 people gathering.”

Despite threats of being fined and possibly arrested, Daniels continued to meet, alongside others, in the Square for nights of prayer and worship. 

Franklin Alderman Gabrielle Hanson has been keeping a watchful eye on the situation, out of concern for her city of residence and the warm welcoming environment that so many Tennesseans cherish.

As a fellow Christian conservative, she says it is “gravely concerning” and views some of the City Administration’s actions as “not palatable in this community.”

Franklin City Administrator Eric Stuckey maintains that this action was taken after consistent complaints from the Downtown Franklin Association, as well as other sources. The complaints are reported to center on noise levels and the use of amplification.

A meeting of the Franklin Board of Alderman took place on January 10th, 2023, to discuss the matter. 

While Stuckey claims that their focus here is time, place, manner, public safety, and general respect, Alderman Gabrielle Hanson remains skeptical on how the ordinance might be used to target worship groups like that of Jeff Daniels.

A seemingly fair sentiment, as Daniels has previously shared feelings of being specifically targeted by amendments made to the city ordinance.

Regarding how this situation impacts the local community as a whole, Hanson stated, “This is not the community that Franklin is. People bought into Franklin because it’s a Hallmark movie. And we’ve got to watch this.”

The City Administration is considering a change to the ordinance that would negate the need for a permit, if a gathering consists of less than 20 people. 

Pastor Marvin Young II who attended the Jan. 10th meeting, requested that the board “pray first” and then reconsider the less than 20 persons restriction. 

The Franklin Board of Alderman will meet again on January 24th, 2023 to discuss the proposed change in city ordinance.

About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee.

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