As protests surge across America just months before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, activists representing LGBTQ+ and women’s reproductive rights say Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is violating their First Amendment rights and is unprepared for the onslaught of dissidents headed to the city this August.

A group of nine organizations teamed up with the American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday to file a lawsuit against the city of Chicago, after city officials denied their request to hold a protest march during the Democratic National Convention begins in August.

A coalition of groups planning a march for abortion rights outside the United Center sued the city Thursday morning because their permit was denied. It is the latest lawsuit against Chicago over DNC demonstration restrictions.

The lawsuit against Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration comes as protests are surging months before the Democratic National Convention in August.