Free-Speech Value of Sign Is Debated

Pro-Immigrant Message Faces Manassas Critics

Prince William County resident Allison Kipp said she used to frequent Old Town Manassas to shop and dine.

But that changed when the "atrocity" was erected at Liberty and Prince William streets almost eight months ago, she said.

"I used to go to Philadelphia Tavern twice a month, but I haven't been since the sign went up," she said during a Manassas town hall meeting Monday. "I don't believe it's a sign [representing] free speech. I believe it's hate speech."

Kipp's comments during the quarterly meeting were met with applause. She, along with half a dozen other residents told City Council members that the sign, which was erected by immigrant supporters, needs to go.

"I don't see where it's free speech," county resident Mike Lohr said. "From where I sit, it's no different than yelling 'fire' in a movie theater because that's the kind of reaction you get out of it."

The 12-foot-by-40-foot sign has been up in some form since September and denounces the way Manassas and Prince William have handled immigration. County resident Gaudencio Fernandez said he put the sign up with his family and friends to make a statement in an area that he said is anti-immigrant.

"We believe the laws are implemented against immigrants and are in violation of our constitutional rights," said Fernandez, who moved to the area seven years ago. "We believe we have no rights in Prince William and Manassas because our voice is being ignored."

The sign is on the last-standing wall of a former house. When the sign was erected, Manassas City Manager Lawrence D. Hughes said that the owner was not breaking any codes and that it was a matter of free speech.

It was when Fernandez "fortified" the sign without a building permit, Hughes said, that it no longer complied with city regulations. Hughes said Fernandez also needs a special-use permit because rallies and other small events have occurred on the property in recent months.

Fernandez said he reinforced the structure in October but did not enlarge it. He said he is submitting applications for building and special-use permits for a new sign that will be 200 feet long and 14 feet tall.

Residents asked council members Monday why they haven't taken action on something that violates city code.

"Caution, that's the answer," Hughes said in an interview after the meeting. "We need to do this right."

The only response during the meeting came from Manassas Mayor Douglas S. Waldron (R): "I'd love to see the sign down because my name is on there. My term ends June 30, and I hope it will be down by then."

Hughes said a letter was sent to Fernandez, but nothing has followed because the city is studying free speech and code violations. He said the city has been sued by the District-based Equal Rights Center and does not want to face another legal fight.

For Fernandez to legally follow through with his plan for a 200-foot sign, Manassas Director of Community Development Elizabeth Via said, the building permit would need to be approved by the zoning department while the special-use request must go through City Council.

Fernandez said he is worried his requests will be denied. And, if they are, he will seek legal advice.

"What we believe is not right is if they don't approve it, and we won't be able to do it. We believe this is our constitutional right," Fernandez said. "If they deny, we will look for legal action to make sure free speech is not denied to my community."