Small, peaceful protest at G7 meeting in Florida

[Judi Lynn]

Small, peaceful protest at G7 meeting in Florida
Reuters, 02.07.04, 2:38 PM ET


BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb 7 (Reuters) - A small band of anti-globalization protesters demonstrated on Saturday outside the exclusive Florida resort where ministers and central bankers from the world's richest nations met, calling on them to bring talks on currency and debt into the public eye.

The Group of Seven meeting drew about 30 peaceful protesters from local groups, a far cry from the hundreds who descended on Miami from all over the United States in November for a Free Trade Area of the Americas summit. Those demonstrators were greeted by tear gas and pepper spray and more than 200 were arrested.

"Peace and justice. Stop corporate greed," demonstrators chanted in the traffic circle outside the Boca Raton Resort and Club, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Miami.

"Who speaks for the poor?" asked a sign carried by one protester. "Deep Six the G7 and take Bush with you," said another.
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http://www.forbes.com/technology/newswire/2004/02/07/rtr1250497.html

[Judi Lynn]

1. Judge says Miami anti-protest law has 'serious constitutional problems'

Judge says Miami anti-protest law has 'serious constitutional problems'

By Ann W. O'Neill and Diana Marrero
Staff Writers
Posted February 6 2004

MIAMI -- A federal judge said Thursday that he sees "serious constitutional problems" with a controversial Miami law that dictates the rules of public protest.

The law was enacted in November, days before the Free Trade Area of the Americas meetings, as the city anticipated mass demonstrations.

"Frankly, I think if any judge looks at the law and looks at the ordinance, it appears as though the statute is not constitutional," U.S. District Judge Donald L. Graham observed during a brief court hearing.

Lake Worth for Global Justice Inc., mounted the first legal challenge to the ordinance, suing the city Wednesday in federal court.

The Palm Beach County activist group contended that the law violates the First Amendment by placing unconstitutional restrictions on the right to political protest.
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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/miami/sfl-dftaa06feb06,0,454398...