City says new street plan won't hurt free speech
On Thursday, we blogged about the forthcoming revision to the City of Portland's "special events" rules involving mass gatherings on the streets and sidewalks. We tried not to make it out as a major threat to free expression, although we noted that the concept of a "free speech permit" seemed mildly comical. Well, that must have hit a nerve down at City Hall, because the next day we got this e-mail message from Kathleen Butler, the regulatory division manager at the city revenue bureau:
A recent posting on your blog related to Portland Special Events code revisions was brought to my attention today. We have also received several calls with questions about this issue.The "updated document" was a copy of another e-mail message, dated Thursday, and it is here. It appears that when a demonstration spills out onto the street, the "special events" program steps out of the way and turns it over to the police bureau. And when dealing with some members of that force, you'll need more than a permit.This is to clarify that the proposed program will in no way change the program's approach to free speech events. Nor will it inhibit free speech in any way.
Under the current and proposed program, planned free speech events that notify the Special Events Program receive assistance with developing a plan that encourages public safety to participants and nonparticipants alike. The proposed Special Events guidelines, such as the number of participants and application timelines, do not apply to free speech events. The Special Events Program cannot and will not interfere with the public right to assembly as it applies to the time, place and manner of an event. I have attached an updated document that we have issued to all stakeholders that I hope provides clarifications regarding the new policy.
The proposed code language regarding free speech events is intended to clarify and make explicit the current policies regarding free speech events.
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you'd like to discuss the proposal.
| Posted at 1:06 PM | Permalink |
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Comments (7)
Always the "safety" issue, What horse pucky. Just a way to safely put the citizens our of sight. An idea left over from the Bush-Cheney days that a 1/2 mile down the street was the place to picket, or maybe as in the conventions, behind barbed wire.
Sure wouldn't want our poor policemen to feel threatened by citizens practicing democracy.
Posted by KISS | October 12, 2009 2:17 PM
I see. The "free speech policy" will not hurt free speech. That is the police bureau's responsibility, and there are always a select few officers who truly relish that part of their job.
Posted by none | October 12, 2009 2:17 PM
as long as your views fit the larger multi-modal picture.. you have nothing to worry about
Posted by Anthony | October 12, 2009 2:45 PM
Free speech is not welcome in multi-modal venues. You are only allowed to speak freely, assmble, or petition for redress of grievances in public venues where pedestrians predominate.
"YOU! YOU there! Standing in the street. Unless you got a permit you paid for, shut the &%*# up and get out of the street, or I'll break your &%*#ing head."
Posted by godfry | October 12, 2009 5:17 PM
If that is a "policy", we know how much that is worth....
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
The City of Portland does not honor their own policy...they don't have to...particularly if it impedes the 'Friends & Family Plan' to access the taxpayer-fed revenue streams.
So, remember kids....If it's "Policy" in Portland, it don't mean squat.
Posted by godfry | October 12, 2009 5:21 PM
the spouse says that the explanation sounds just like something Sarah Palin would say...
Posted by portland native | October 12, 2009 5:25 PM
Freedom is obedience to the law. Free speech goes too far when it disturbs the comfort of government officials.
Posted by Mike D | October 12, 2009 6:15 PM