OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska urged Omaha officials Tuesday to reject an extension of the city’s current state of emergency unless Mayor Jean Stothert commits to ending a ban on groups of more than 25 people.

The group’s legal director, Adam Sipple, argued in a letter to city officials that the order violates protesters’ rights.

“The Constitution does not allow the government to suppress legitimate First Amendment conduct as a preventative measure,” Sipple said. “This citywide, 24-hour ban on assemblies of more than 25 people criminalizes lawful protest at a time when voices need to be heard and goes further than the First Amendment allows.”

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