Why are laws governing the time, place, and manner of speech considered content-neutral?

Laws governing the time, place, and manner of speech are considered content-neutral because they apply uniformly to all forms of expression without regard to the content or viewpoint being expressed. This means that such laws do not differentiate between messages based on their specific ideas or themes; rather, they establish general regulations that can affect all speech alike. For example, a law that requires permits for public demonstrations in a park applies whether the demonstration is about political opinions, public assembly for non-profit purposes, or artistic performances.

This principle is rooted in the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech but allows for certain restrictions on the time (when speech can occur), the place (where it can happen), and the manner (how it can be expressed) to ensure public safety, order, and the rights of others. Because these laws do not target specific subjects but instead provide a framework within which all expressions can occur, they are deemed content-neutral, thereby ensuring that the government does not engage in viewpoint discrimination.