Above: NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan discusses the issue on WMUR.
The New England First Amendment Coalition asked the Nashua Board of Aldermen today to respect anonymous speech when opening its meetings for public comment.
The Board of Aldermen requires all speakers to state their name and address even when doing so may lead to threats, harassment and reprisals.
“The prospect of having one’s home address permanently attached to their commentary on public record may deter participation entirely and that is precisely what the First Amendment is designed to prevent,” wrote NEFAC in an April 10 letter to Board President Lori Wilshire.
The First Amendment has long protected the right to speak anonymously, NEFAC explained. The decision to remain anonymous may be motivated by fear of economic or official retaliation, by concern about social ostracism, or simply by a desire to preserve privacy, all legitimate reasons the First Amendment was designed to protect.
NEFAC previously fought public comment policies in New Hampshire, first in Nashua in 2023 and then in Manchester in 2025. The coalition also published an audit of speech codes in the state, finding various forms of restrictions that limit public expression during government meetings. Most recently, the coalition protested speech restrictions during public meetings in Stamford, Conn., and Augusta, Maine.
NEFAC is the region’s leading defender of First Amendment freedoms and the public’s right to know about government. You can learn more about our advocacy here and explore all our legal briefing and policy letters here.
NEFAC is the region’s leading defender of the First Amendment and open government. The coalition began in 2006 to advance and protect the five freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists, and Truro News.