SC GOP Official Sues City Over Abortion Protest

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) - A state Republican Party official has sued the city of Orangeburg for a second time, saying a police officer prevented him from participating in an abortion protest.

The (Orangeburg) ‘Times and Democrat’ reports that the Rev. Charles Butler’s lawsuit involved a January protest about Hillary Clinton’s abortion stance. The lawsuit says an Orangeburg Department of Public Safety officer told Butler he couldn’t protest without a permit.

He says the ordinance requiring a permit is unconstitutional. In 2006, Butler won a settlement for an undisclosed amount based on a similar situation.

Orangeburg attorney David Lindemann says Butler left before a superior officer told other protesters they could picket. He says Butler chose not to return.

A hearing will be held Thursday at the U.S. District Court in Columbia.