ACLU calls Michigan Capitol's rule forbidding signs unlawful

[Bozita]

Last Updated: March 19. 2011 1:00AM
ACLU calls Capitol's rule forbidding signs unlawful
Paul Egan / Detroit News Lansing Bureau


Lansing — A rule banning demonstrators from carrying signs inside the Capitol is unconstitutional, says the ACLU of Michigan.

The rule hasn't always been followed, but the official in charge of the Capitol said notices enforcing the policy — adopted in 1992 — went up in February after huge demonstrations in Wisconsin that preceded a series of Capitol protests in Lansing.

Notices reading, "No signs in the Capitol," were taped to public entrances shortly before the first in a series of demonstrations related to Snyder's Feb. 17 budget, which included a tax on private and public pensions and deep funding cuts to education and local governments.

Michael J. Steinberg, legal director of the ACLU of Michigan in Detroit, said courts have ruled that a Capitol rotunda is a public space.

"There is obviously no reason why people can't carry small signs to express their views on the most important issues of the day," he said.

Ray Holman, legislative liaison for the United Auto Workers Local 6000, said he knew signs with posts or sticks attached could not be brought inside the Capitol, but he was surprised Wednesday, while protesting the new emergency manager law for cities and school districts, to be told he couldn't enter with a flimsy cardboard sign that read, "Collective bargaining is a human right.

more...

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110319/POLITICS02/103190342/ACLU-calls-Capitol’s-rule-forbidding-signs-unlawful#ixzz1H4W2aYkZ

[cui bono]

1. Signs are speech more than is money. Great sign in that pic.

Until we win that fight they can wear t-shirts. Maybe. Wear t-shirts with one letter each and stand in formation!

I remember a story from the GWB days where someone got thrown out of somewhere for the t-shirt they were wearing. My memory is telling me it was off of an airplane?

[Bozita]

2. Some folks were ejected from GWB events for "peace" bumper stickers on their cars.

IIRC, it was in Denver.

[snot]

3. Great image. Source?

[calimary]

4. And HOW! I LOVE that sign! "Screw Us and We Multiply!"

Good grief - that's GREAT!

Should be said, read, and SPREAD!!!

[Bozita]

6. It's from Wisconsin.

A fellow DUer used it last night and I asked to borrow it.

I promised to put it to good use.

How'm I doin' so far?

[snot]

8. Great! I'd like to use it, too, and give credit where due.

[Uncle Joe]

5. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, Bozita.

[louis-t]

7. So, a sign saying "Republicans suck" is not ok but

a sign saying "no signs" is? :crazy:

[Omaha Steve]

9. THIS sign is legal acording to the SCOTUS!

God hates Republicans & Conservatives

The Westboro Baptist Laborers Local 666

[Festivito]

10. Safety issue. Shoulder to shoulder with signs on sticks and with sharp corners.

I was there and the mood was fun, the police were vigilant for packages, but enjoying the people who came.

The kids were a little out of line. I remember being a kid. No real harm was done.

We do scare the RW a bit - and that is worth it.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

11. Good luck Michigan

:yourock: