Right to argue

Philadelphia tour guides appeared in federal appeals court today to argue their right to appeal an ordinance of the City of Philadelphia.

Peter Crimmins was in court where the tour guides argued their right to appeal (but did not formally appeal) a law passed by the city that requires guides to pass a history knowledge test before conducting tours.

The city has disavowed the law, as it does not have the funds to enforce it, and has argued the guides’ request to be allowed to file an appeal moot.

The guides; however, say the city could decide to enforce the law when the budget gets straightened out, and are therefore seeking to appeal now. They contend their right as employees of private companies to disseminate information is protected by the First Amendment.

No decision has been made.