ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico is suing the city of Roswell and its police department for repeatedly arresting two local street preachers.
The ACLU's suit says the arrests violate the free speech rights of Joshua and Jeremy De Los Santos. The brothers are members of Roswell's Old Paths Baptist Church and believe they have a duty to preach in public.
The ACLU says charges were dismissed after every arrest.
ACLU-NM Executive Director Peter Simonson said Thursday that the First Amendment gives all a right to express their religious beliefs in public.
Roswell police referred questions to the city attorney's office, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Joshua De Los Santos was arrested twice and Jeremy De Los Santos five times in two years.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.