Idaho bill would boot Occupy Boise from state land

[IDemo]

By JOHN MILLER - Associated Press
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012

BOISE, Idaho — About two dozen supporters of the Occupy Boise movement that's erected tents on state property listened quietly as a Republican lawmaker introduced a measure to evict them from the site across from the Capitol.

House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke, of Oakley, told the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday his bill outlaws camping on Capitol Mall property, without infringing on protesters' free-speech rights.

Occupy Boise pitched its tents around the old Ada County Courthouse starting in November, exploiting a loophole in state law that is silent on whether such groups can live on state land.

Bedke foresees the group's encampment being removed as soon as his bill becomes law - "in a way that would be kind, gentle but firm." Violating the law would be considered an infraction, like a speeding or parking ticket, Bedke said.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/01/18/1957634/idaho-bill-would-boot-occupy-boise.html

[Lefta Dissenter]

1. Disappointing

I visited Occupy Boise when I was out there in November. They had set up a beautiful, respectful occupation. The people I met there were so welcoming - and I don't think it was just because I brought them stickers from Wisconsin. I'm sorry that they're being threatened.