War protesters sue after 2 permit denials

[Rose Siding]

Peace activists twice denied city permits to march on Michigan Avenue on the second anniversary of the Iraqi invasion filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday seeking to reverse the denials.

The suit, filed by the Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism, also seeks to declare unconstitutional and overturn the city's permit appeal process, which requires a hearing before the Mayor's License Commission before an appeal in court.

"They have an in-house judicial procedure that is not impartial, and that has to be overturned," said Charles Nissim-Sabat, a coalition attorney.
...
Claiming 1st and 14th Amendment violations, the coalition alleged the city denied a permit for the March 19 protest march because it "disfavors the content of the coalition's speech." By contrast, the city each year approves a permit for the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association's Festival of Lights Parade, a holiday season kickoff celebration on North Michigan Avenue, the suit stated.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0502230273feb23,1,6119843.story?coll=chi-news-hed

[Rainbowreflect]

1. Good for them, we need to stand up for our rights.

[paineinthearse]

2. When did Richard Daley I come back into power?

Good for the coalition! Power to the people.