There was one big scramble downtown last week after U.S. District Judge Gary Feess told the DNC organizers, the Secret Service and the LAPD that the First Amendment still applied to the coming Democratic National Convention.”Protecting the safety of all people present in the Staples Center area during the convention is undoubtedly a significant government interest,“ Feess wrote.But, he added, ”Government cannot infringe on First Amendment rights on the mere speculation that violence may occur.“In all your life, you may never again read so delicately drawn a statement on the need to balance conflicting rights. It merits quotation.Feess‘ ruling could go to the 9th Circuit for a quick appeal. And it’s possible the higher court could change the opinion.
Source: Free To Protest | L.A. Weekly