News: Loudoun Releases Statement on Courthouse Grounds Displays

More on the issue on this video report

(Dec. 6, 2011) - VivaLoudoun was thinking of "Elfing" our Fox mascot and making him a public holiday display but there is just too much drama surrounding the issue at the Loudoun County Courthouse lawn in Leesburg. So if you have heard about the "Skeleton Santa" then you might be interested in this statement released by the Board of Supervisors today on the issue:


In December 2009, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors adopted a policy that allows the general public to place unattended displays on the Loudoun County Courthouse lawn. The Board's policy, which can be found at www.loudoun.gov/courthousegrounds, provides for the time, place and manner of each public display. However, the county is generally not permitted under the First Amendment to regulate the content of the displays that are created by our residents and citizens.

The displays are private property owned by individuals and/or organizations. They are not the property of the county government and the Board policy clearly states that the displays must be maintained and secured by the private citizens who have posted them. As the courthouse grounds are an area that is open to the public, the county government does not control or regulate the free speech that is exercised there at this time.

Loudoun County Board Chairman Scott K. York has indicated that the policy will be reconsidered in early 2012 once the new Board of Supervisors begins its term.

Comments or feedback should be sent to the Board of Supervisors at bos@loudoun.gov.