Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

Putting a limit on your freedom of speech
Posted: 01.04.2012 at 9:43 PM
Updated: 01.05.2012 at 5:05 AM
0
Protesters may soon not be allowed to campaign in downtown Colorado Springs.  / FOX21: file photo
Photo

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Is the city of Colorado Springs putting a limit on your freedom of speech?

The city attorney's office is looking at creating "free-speech zones" and limiting panhandling in the downtown core.

"The hope is that would make the downtown safer and more welcoming environment for families, citizens, shoppers downtown and help small business," Chris Melcher, the Colorado Springs City Attorney, said.

If the free-speech ordinance moves forward, the "Occupy Colorado Springs" movement could be the last group of people to voice their first amendment right in Acacia Park.

Occupy Colo. Springs news
Police take down Occupy tents 
The cost to "Occupy" 
Camping ordinances 

City officials are looking into whether there's a more appropriate place for protests in the future, in an effort to give the park back to families and kids.

But it's an idea that's creating some concern with the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission, who said the constitution doesn't give protection from free speech.

"The framers of the constitution wanted free speech to be in your face and incendiary and provocative. So to think that there could be "free-speech zones," even to discuss such a thing is absurd," Loring Wrible, secretary for the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission, said.

As for a "panhandling free zone," the city already has a panhandling ordinance prohibiting solicitation at outdoor cafes or when waiting to get into buildings

The new ordinance would expand on the current regulations pushing solicitors away from the downtown core. The suggested area is from Cascade Avenue to Weber Street, or Nevada Avenue and Platte Avenue south to Vermijo Avenue.

According to the city attorney, the law and courts have found governments are allowed to put restrictions on certain types of activities.

Melcher said they do it all the time, for example: you're not allowed to yell 'Fire' in a movie theater, or verbally assault someone.

City council and Mayor Bach are expected to look over the possible ordinances next week.

They will determine whether or not it goes forward.

Officials said if the "free-speech zone" moves forward they've heard the ACLU will be getting involved.

DOWNTOWN PROTESTING
Should people be allowed to protest in downtown Colorado Springs?

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Couple who died in Black Forest Fire identified
Travis Ruiz   |  2 hours, 53 minutes ago  |  8 comments
Thumbnail
Wildfires burn north of Colorado Springs
FOX21 Continuous News Desk  |  2 hours, 8 minutes ago  |  14 comments
Thumbnail
Continuing to give back, after losing her home
Sam Baranowski  |  Yesterday at 8:00 AM  |  9 comments
Follow FOX21
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Contests
Win with the latest contests from FOX21/CW57
Worship & Remembrance
Need a place to worship or need to give your loved one a proper burial? We have all the information to make it easy for you.
Home and Garden
Home and garden tips
Beauty & Wellness
Tips to improve your health
ADVERTISEMENT