Protest law headed toward repeal

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Fri, Feb. 27, 2004

MIAMI
Protest law headed toward repeal

Miami commissioners show unease with an ordinance aimed at FTAA protesters and will likely repeal it March 11.

BY CAROLYN SALAZAR

[e-mail]


Miami commissioners took the first step late Thursday to repeal a stringent ordinance limiting what items protesters can bring to demonstrations.The ordinance, passed just a week before November's Free Trade of the Americas talks in Miami, had been touted by police as a way to protect the public against violent protests. But Thursday night, even commissioners admitted the ordinance had one intention.

''We would be kidding ourselves if we said that without the this law would have been passed,'' said Commissioner Tomás Regalado, who wants his own ordinance repealed. It will take a second approval vote on March 11 for the ordinance to be rescinded.

Regalado said he was worried that turmoil in Haiti and Venezuela could soon unleash massive protests here. And he worried that if the law remains on the books, it would spawn sweeping arrests.

''We are playing with fire here. This is a city of marches and parades, and we don't need strict, draconian laws,'' Regalado said. ``We don't need to give police too much power.''
(snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/8056171.htm

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The next two articles were published preparatory to the FTAA in Miami:

Miami commmissioners on Thursday approved a law that clamps down on what protesters can bring to a rally, but set an expiration date four days after the end of November's international trade talks in the city -- infuriating civil libertarians who say the rules unfairly target a specific group of protesters.

Miami Police Chief John Timoney proposed the new legislation as the department braces for thousands of protesters at the Nov. 20-21 meeting of the Western Hemisphere trade ministers in Miami to negotiate the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas.
(snip)

''This will send a message to those groups who want to come here and create chaos,'' said Commissioner Tomás Regalado. ``We did tailor one law specifically for them. So don't mess with us.''

The law, which bans golf balls, bricks and glass bottles at demonstrations of over three people, was unanimously approved by commissioners, but only on the condition that it expire at midnight Thanksgiving Day.
(snip)
http://cancun.mediosindependientes.org/otherpress/display/41/index.php


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Regalado



(snip) Breaking News from Miami
This THURSDAY, SEPT. 25, the Miami City Commission will most likely pass an ordinance banning the use and possession of a variety of items related to peaceful protests, demonstrations and protest marches. This includes puppets and other props; street theater masks; signs on sticks; cameras (still and video; used to record the actions of overzealous police); padded clothing (for protection against police truncheons and dogs); bullhorns; gas masks of any kind, including bandannas (used for protection against tear-gas and other dangerous chemical agents often used indiscriminately and recklessly by police), and much more.


The ordinance, which will take effect when passed and expire on Thursday, Nov. 27, is clearly aimed at stifling the voices of the tens of thousands of people - students, union members, activists, peasant farmers and many other types of individuals - from around the Americas and the world who will be coming to South Florida to protest at the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) meeting to be held from Nov. 17-21 in Miami.


This ordinance is an outrageous abridgment of democratic rights and civil liberties, including the right of free speech, the right to protest and the right to assemble. The ACLU and protest leaders have pointed out that the proposed ordinance ... is so broadly written that it may allow police to clamp down on constitutionally protected, peaceful protest activities.”
(snip)

It’s important that concerned citizens immediately contact Miami city officials to voice their opposition to this draconian, unconstitutional measure. Although the ordinance seems destined for approval, these officials need to know that the eyes of the world are upon them and that their action will be protested rather than allowed to happen quietly.
(snip)
http://www.ftaaresistance.org/miaminews.html

[CaptainClark23]

1. Promising, but....

They do not need a resolution on the books to ban any/all of the listed items. They simply prohibit those items as a condition of the issuance of a march/rally permit on a case by case basis. This was done last year in NYC, when the permit itself banned using sticks to hold up placards, banners and signs.

This way, they can be seen as supporting protestors rights (and deflecting the bad press from the horror show that was in Miami) but still be able to deny a permit on that basis, or worse, claim that protestors violated the terms of the permit by bringing such items.

[CheshireCat]

2. Fascist PIGS!!!!!!

There!!! I said it - for the first time since the early 70's.

Power to the People - y'all!

Seriously, this MUST be tested and found unconstitutional. No bandanas or padded clothing. Just let the piggies beat you to death with a minimum of effort.

Damn, this makes me sick!