U.S. Constitution: First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.A public hearing for these new Republican free speech restrictions will take place on Monday, Sept. 25 at 3:00 p.m. in Room 135 of the West Building at the Capitol Complex.
These new anti-citizen rules require organizations and the public to obtain a permit before engaging in any free speech activity. The rules define "free speech activity" very broadly as an event held by a person or group in the exercise of protected freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, or other First Amendment protections at the Capitol Hill Complex". The only member of the Capitol Preservation Board present at the meeting who voted against these free speech restrictions was House Democratic Leader Ralph Becker.
It is vitally important that the public attend these hearings, especially as it may be your last chance to speak to an elected official without becoming a lobbyist.
If you have any questions please call Bill Tibbitts at 364-7765 ex 131. Bill is with the Crossroads Urban Center, a charitable nonprofit institution that provides food for the poor and disadvantaged.
1 comment:
This action of restricting free-speech is more than just unconstitutional. It shows the true character of the Utah Republican Party. For years, they have been meeting behind closed doors and now, they want to push their secrecy to the point that no one will know what they are doing. It is obvious they do not want to be bothered by the people who elect them. And the Republican Legislature obviously does not care about people. They are more interested in helping lobbyists and special interest groups who cater to their selfish desires. The Republican Legislature seems to have forgotten the reason why they were elected. The more Republicans that are elected into the legislature, the more secretive they will become. Let’s face it, arrogance is not representation.
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