ACLU threatens Cleveland over delays in convention protest permits

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Politics | Thu May 19, 2016 2:52pm EDT

ACLU threatens Cleveland over delays in convention protest permits

BY DANIEL TROTTA

The American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday accused the city of Cleveland of taking too long to issue permits to protesters planning demonstrations at the Republican National Convention in July and threatened to sue if the city delays further.

"Delays by the city are effectively blocking groups from exercising their fundamental right to political expression," Christine Link, executive director of the ACLU of Ohio, said in a statement. "Cleveland is using security planning as a mask to suppress political speech."

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Large groups require a parade permit in Cleveland for demonstrations that would obstruct traffic or occur during special events.

City spokesman Dan Williams said permits would be issued "in time for the convention" but he declined to say what date it considered appropriate. He said he was unaware of any permits issued so far.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-convention-idUSKCN0YA2NV?il=0

[JonathanRackham]

1. Why should anyone need a permit to protest?

If done on public property it should be covered by the first amendment.