ACLU: Demonstrators shouldn’t have to pay to voice opinions

[struggle4progress]

Boulder Parks and Recreation under fire for $100 permits
James Baetke, Camera Staff Writer
Saturday, August 2, 2008

The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado is pressing Boulder to reshape a Parks and Recreation Department policy that requires groups of 50 or more to pay for a permit.

Barry Satlow, a board member for the Boulder County ACLU, said the policy should omit First Amendment demonstrators from paying to obtain a permit.

Boulder municipal code requires recreational, athletic or social groups of 50 or more to obtain a permit, mentioning nothing about demonstrations or rallies. A policy at Parks and Recreation goes further, requiring a $100 permit fee and proof of liability insurance for groups of 50 or more wishing to use public land under its jurisdiction.

“Parks and Recreation have misinterpreted the code,” Satlow said. “It needs to be made clear to the Parks and Recreation Department that their policy doesn’t apply to First Amendment events.” ...

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/aug/02/aclu-demonstrators-shouldnt-have-pay-voice-opinion/

[Raineyb]

1. They're trying that old nonsense again?

I remember something similar happening in NYC around the 2004 Republican convention. Although if I remember correctly they did manage to keep protesters from congregating in Central Park.

(That's not counting the mass arrests of people on the streets for no good reason either.)

Regards