08-03-2025
Germantown considers repealing decorations ordinance after lawsuit
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Nearly a month after a woman filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Germantown over its holiday decorations ordinance, city leaders are considering repealing it.
Alexis Luttrell claimed her First Amendment rights were violated when she was asked to remove skeleton decorations she used for Halloween and Christmas.
Woman sues Germantown over skeleton Christmas decorations
Luttrell was told the decorations violated a Germantown ordinance that prohibits residents from placing holiday and seasonal decorations on their property more than 45 days before or 30 days after the intended holiday.
Monday, the Board of Mayor and Alderman will have the first reading of a resolution to repeal Division 2, Section 11-33 – Holiday/seasonal/special Events decorations. They will also set a public hearing date for the issue.
Luttrell is not commenting on the action or its potential impact on her lawsuit.
Germantown resident summoned to court over holiday decor
Luttrell told WREG she purchased a skeleton and a dog skeleton for yard displays throughout the year.
Her suit claims Germantown is dictating how residents celebrate holidays and its decorations ordinance is unconstitutionally vague.
'I want to protect not only my First Amendment rights but those of my community,' said Luttrell. 'It shouldn't be left up to Germantown whether my holiday decor matches their personal taste or preference.'
Luttrell said she wanted the court to declare Germantown violated her rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments and wants the city's holiday ordinance thrown out entirely.
The Germantown Board of Aldermen will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday at City Hall.
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