First Amendment Forever?

On June 29, Reverend Billy (AKA Billy Talen) was arrested for reciting the First Amendment in Union Square. He was charged with second-degree harassment charges that historically have been limited to ex-boyfriend sexual stalkers and drunk husbands.

As free speech lawyer Norman Siegel ironically pointed out, the First Amendment gives you the right to recite the First Amendment.

So what was the Reverend reciting for? The Critical Mass bike ride, which celebrates cycling and asserts cyclists' right to the road, and to support the Picture New York's struggle against limited rights to filming and photography in public spaces.

Rev. Billy isn't really a reverend and what he preaches isn't religion. He is the alter ego of activist, actor, and writer Billy Talen, who was inspired by televangelists to head the Church of Stop Shopping. He has become known the last decade for parading the streets of Manhattan, sharing his message against consumerism and big corporations, with the help of a megaphone and a robed choir singing gospel songs.

You can follow his case and more at his website.

Images: Revbilly.com: http://www.revbilly.com