CHAPIN, S.C. (WACH) — A South Carolina man who stood silently on a public sidewalk holding a Christian sign is now at the center of a federal lawsuit alleging the town violated his First Amendment rights.

On Wednesday, the First Liberty Institute filed suit against the Town of Chapin on behalf of Ernest Giardino, an evangelical Christian who regularly displays religious signs during busy afternoon hours.

According to the complaint, Giardino was standing at the intersection of Old Lexington Road and Chapin Road on June 20 with a 20-by-24-inch sign that read “Trust Christ, He paid the price” on one side and “He Saved Others—Jesus—He’ll Save You” on the other.

Giardino was not speaking or using any form of amplification, the lawsuit says, but was approached by a police officer and told he needed a permit to display the sign on public property.

Town officials cited Ordinance 14.1001, a regulation covering parades, demonstrations, and picketing.

Under the ordinance, Giardino would be limited to holding his sign for only 30 minutes and would be required to change sidewalk corners every 15 minutes.

The lawsuit claims those restrictions amount to an unconstitutional burden on religious expression.

No one should be forced to ask the government’s permission to express their faith in a public space,” First Liberty Senior Counsel Nate Kellum said.

“The First Amendment is his permit. Like any citizen in any city in America, Mr. Giardino is free to peacefully share his religious beliefs on a public sidewalk. Chapin’s ordinance is overbroad, unconstitutional, and must be repealed or enjoined.”

The group is asking the court to declare the ordinance unconstitutional as applied to individuals or small groups engaging in peaceful religious expression in public spaces.

Giardino is also seeking $1.00 in nominal damages.