Fortune Teller Sues MS City
The owner and operator of a Hattiesburg psychic and spiritual-reading business have sued the city, seeking unspecified damages to compensate them for the closure of their business.
Tommy and Marie Costello filed the suit in U.S. District Court last week over the closing of Marie – Psychic Reader.
The lawsuit states the Costellos closed the business for fear of citation after the city issued them a notice of violation on Dec. 29. The notice said fortune telling is illegal in Hattiesburg, according to a city ordinance.
In addition to the unspecified damages, the plaintiffs seek a declaration that the city ordinance is illegal prior restraint of free speech as protected by both constitutions.
The Hattiesburg American reports city attorney Charles Lawrence failed to return calls seeking comment.
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