Christian Knights of Ku Klux Klan Invisible Empire Inc. v. Stuart

Every year since 1977, a Christmas parade had been organized for the town of Pelion by Ronnie Troutman, a private citizen who volunteered his time. In 1987, Troutman again organized a Christmas parade, to be held on December 19, 1987. Troutman secured permission from the town of Pelion to hold the parade and invited participation from groups whom he believed were suited to the theme of the Christmas season. About ten days before the parade, Horace King, the leader of the Ku Klux Klan in South Carolina, contacted Troutman and requested that the Klan be allowed to enter a float in the parade. He told Troutman that his organization would sue if it were not allowed to participate. Troutman called the Mayor to get permission for the Klan to be in the parade, and she told him that she did not believe it was appropriate. Troutman, under the impression that the Klan was legally entitled to participate, gave permission. Thereafter, Klan members began work on their float in reliance on Troutmans commitment.