Jehovah’s Witnesses

For Immediate Release
February 14, 2012

Puerto Rico upholds freedom of speech

PUERTO RICO—On February 2, 2012, the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico ruled in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses establishing a foundation to bring to an end nearly eight years of litigation over restricted access to public streets.

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico enacted a law enabling public neighborhoods to restrict access by means of gates, walls, and security guards. This measure effectively barred Jehovah’s Witnesses from entering into hundreds of neighborhoods to engage in their door-to-door ministry, violating their freedom of speech. In response, the Witnesses filed a lawsuit in federal court in 2004.

District Court Judge Gustavo A. Gelpi’s ruling requires the defendant municipalities to create and present to the court action plans to assure that Jehovah’s Witnesses are granted entry to the previously restricted neighborhoods. The court gave the municipalities deadlines to comply with its orders.

Media Contacts:
Office of Public Information:  J. R. Brown, tel. +1 718 560 5600
Puerto Rico:  Rey Candelaria, tel. + 1 787 789 6000
Legal Contact:  Paul D. Polidoro, Office of General Counsel, tel. +1 845 306 1000