Restrictions eased for groups gathering at national parks

[queerart]

Source: Washington Post


Small groups wishing to gather at national parks, including the Mall in Washington, no longer need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service, it was announced Thursday.

Organizers of larger demonstrations, concerts or religious ceremonies expected to draw more than a few dozen people - including comedian Jon Stewart's rally on the Mall scheduled for Oct. 30 - must still apply to the Park Service for the use of government space

(snip)

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled Aug. 6 that the Park Service's regulation forcing individuals or small groups to obtain a permit for First Amendment-protected activities was unconstitutional. But the court upheld the agency's policy of setting aside designated park areas for larger demonstrations and the sale of printed material after applicants obtained a permit.

The Justice Department declined to appeal the ruling.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/14/AR2010101407137.html

[Newsjock]

1. This is obviously a fake story

Because, in the real world, the DOJ must appeal all rulings that go against the laws of the United States.

:sarcasm:

[readmoreoften]

5. +1. It's a plot by gay DUers and allies to promote a President Palin.

Yup.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

2. Larger V. Small

aka: Rock V. Hard-Place

Iow, meaningless.

[coffeenap]

3. And here I thought the administration was legally bound

to appeal all decisions. Hmmm.:sarcasm:

[Demeter]

4. A dozen constitutes an enforceable group?

Straining my credulity here. On the mall, why worry unless it exceeds a thousand? For most national parks, 50 minimum.