Quote:
Originally Posted by Sigaba
Razor--
For better or worse, the City of Los Angeles requires demonstrators to obtain permits from the LAPD before having public events << LINK>>. The LAPD has used the absence of required permits to shut down counter-demonstrations for their own safety. |
I'm no lawyer, but reading the attached municipal ordinances, it appears that if a group is not using a powered amplification device (bullhorn, speaker system, etc.), it would not be breaking any laws if it decided to assemble off a street or thoroughfare. I would be interested to see the result of a legal challenge to the police breaking up or arresting a group assembling in a city park, off any road or street, and not using a powered sound amplifier. I'd say the permit requirement is probably balancing a very fine line between civil rights and public safety, and could fall under intense legal scrutiny if enforced too rigorously. What do you believe would happen if the city were to not approve a GLAD demonstration simply because of the potential for violence?