-April 23rd, 2013
50 pro-gun advertisements were removed from Phoenix bus shelters. The signs read, “Guns Save Lives.” and then promoted firearm safety classes. The signs were removed because they violated the city of Phoenix’s policy against putting up non-commercial advertisements on buses and other outdoor ad spots.
Now an unlikely pair has combined forces to fight the decision. The American Civil Liberties Union and the conservative Goldwater Institute will wage the legal battle against the city saying the move violates free speech and is based on a policy that is ‘vague’ and unconstitutional.
The bus posters were originally put up in 2010 by Alan Korwin who manages TrainMeAZ.com. He put up the ads after the 2010 passage of a state law which expanded the concealed-carry rights of lawful gun owners.
Phoenix officials took the posters down within days saying they did not promote the website or their business clearly but instead conveyed a political message.