After nearly three months It’s time for the Capitol fencing to come down and for the National Guard to go home. Presbyterian minister Rev. Patrick Mahoney is suing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. Capitol Police Board, and the Senate Sergeant at Arms for access to the Capitol grounds on Good Friday. Rev. Mahoney alleges that the continued fencing infringes on his First Amendment rights.

Fox News reports:

Rev. Patrick Mahoney says in his complaint, filed Tuesday in federal court, that he has been trying to hold a prayer vigil for Good Friday on the sidewalk near the Lower Western Terrace of the Capitol, but authorities denied his request. Mahoney claims that he has held many similar events at the same location in the past, including last year, when he worked with Capitol Police to make sure the event complied with COVID-19 restrictions.

“These acts by Defendants have effectively created a no-speech zone in one of the most important public forums in the nation,” the complaint reads.

The area around the Capitol has been fenced off and the National Guard has been present in the area following the violent protest that took place on Jan. 6. Mahoney said that incident was part of the inspiration for the vigil, stating in the lawsuit that it is “for the express purpose of beseeching God’s healing from the divisiveness and anxiety lingering over our nation since the tragic events of January 6, 2021.”

Mahoney claims that his prohibition from holding the vigil violates his First Amendment rights of free speech, assembly, and free exercise of religion. He also claims violations of his Fifth Amendment right to due process and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Democrats have continued to push to extend the fencing around the Capitol building and keep the National Guard stationed around the area. The lawsuit was brought on his behalf by the Center for American Liberty.