Protester at McCain event had a right to stand outside

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/10/protester-at-mccain-event-had-a-right-to-stand/

Rocky Mountain News
Originally published 12:05 a.m., July 10, 2008
Updated 09:25 a.m., July 10, 2008

The courts should toss out the trespassing charges facing Carol Kreck, who was cited for bringing a sign reading "McCain = Bush" into the Galleria at the Denver Performing Arts Complex before Monday's town hall event featuring Sen. John McCain.

Kreck was in line to attend the rally, but says she never intended to enter the building. Whether she's telling the truth or not, she hadn't entered when police decided to ticket her for trespassing. Kreck argued she was on city property, refused to abandon the sign, and was escorted from the premises after receiving the citation.

It's one thing to ban all signs at the actual town hall meeting. We have no problem with that. But the Galleria - the glass-covered pedestrian walkway surrounded by several theaters and the complex's parking garage - should have been considered a public forum in this instance. Kreck should have been allowed to remain within it, sign in hand.

If Kreck prevails, a modest tweak in the policy against protests at facilities run by the Division of Theaters and Arenas would protect Denver from future lawsuits. Protesters should be allowed to exercise their rights during political events.

The division is correct in pointing out that its policy prohibiting signs, demonstrations and leafletting in the Galleria is longstanding and even-handed. It is not a content-based ban allowing some signs and prohibiting others depending on what they say. And the city can also cite a 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1999, Hawkins v. City and County of Denver, which supported city policy.

Two years earlier, a local musicians' union had protested the Colorado Ballet's decision to use a recorded score rather than live musicians during a performance of Romeo and Juliet. Union members tried to use the Galleria to picket and hand out leaflets to ballet patrons. Police removed the protesters, who sued the city.

FULL story at link.

[pennylane100]

1. I hope she sues.

They clearly trampled on her fourth amendment rights.

[Ichingcarpenter]

2. Denver Police can be pretty nasty

They have a long record of violating civil rights. I hope the officers involved in the
arrest are sued for civil rights violations.

[BrotherBuzz]

3. I hope they don't start violating civil rights during our convention

I like to think we truly own a big tent and will graciously tolorate the protesters rights to decent.

I can't help but think the police were acting on orders from the McCain security detail. You know what I mean, Vern?