Federal judge rules against city in 'Occupy' lawsuit

[William769]

Source: NBC-2.com

FORT MYERS, FL - Protestors in the "Occupy Fort Myers" encampment in Centennial Park in Fort Myers will be allowed to stay after a late-night ruling in federal court.

Judge John Steele granted a preliminary injunction against the the City of Fort Myers, saying it is likely the city violated the First Amendment by requiring protestors to have a permit and kicking them out of the park.

About a dozen tents were set up at the park as of midday Wednesday, and people have been staying in the park 24 hours a day - sometimes sleeping there - during the protest.

While sleeping in a public place isn't necessarily protected by the First Amendment, Steele ruled that in this case the camping' in the park was addressed by Judge Steele, saying "The conduct of tenting and sleeping in the park... is symbolic conduct which is protected by the First Amendment."


Read more: http://www.nbc-2.com/story/16056138/2011/11/16/federal-judge-rules-against-city-in-occupy-lawsuit

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Occupy Fort Myers has had it's ups & downs, but this is definitely great news!