Displaying items by tag: ACLU

Friday, 20 April 2012 18:08

Medina Earth Day Celebration Will Include Anti-Fracking Group

A change of mind by the Medina County Parks Department after it first banned an anti-fracking group from participating in Saturday's Medina Earth Day celebration. Concerned Citizens of Medina County was told earlier this week it couldn't participate in the celebration because the group was "too controversial"

But the American Civil LIberties Union got involved. Christine Link, Executive Director of the ACLU of Ohio, tells AkronNewsNow " The ACLU sent a letter to the Board explaining that this was a violation of the first amendment. Since this was a government sponsored activity it cannot pick and choose among viewpoints."

Link says the the anti-fracking citizens group has now been informed by the parks board that it will be allowed to participate. " They were thinking about at the time giving the group the opportunity to participate in a lecture series, and that may still come about. But they also agreed that the group should have table space at the event."

Link says the Medina County Parks Board can't as a government body ban the first amendment right of free speech.

Published in Local

ACLU: Akron Panhandle Law "Too Broad"

Ohio's American Civil Liberties Union chapter is speaking out -- against Akron's proposals to ban panhandling.

ACLU news release

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged Akron City Council to reconsider a proposed ordinance that would ban panhandling within 100 feet of a traffic intersection. The ordinance redefines panhandling as those verbally asking for assistance, as well as those who hold signs. According to officials, those who are ticketed under the law would be charged with a misdemeanor and pay a $150 fine. Those who receive multiple citations will face increased penalties.

"Punishing someone for simply holding a sign is illegal, unnecessary and mean-spirited. This is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to ban all panhandling in Akron under the cover of safety concerns," said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link. "Everyone wants safe streets, but there are already laws in place that prevent people from creating a safety problem on the roads. Under this proposed ordinance, there are few places to panhandle or hold signs asking for assistance in Akron."

The ACLU of Ohio has previously challenged laws that unfairly restrict panhandling in cities across Ohio, including Dayton, Cincinnati, and Akron. Courts have consistently ruled that cities may not arbitrarily limit panhandling because it is protected free speech.

"The First Amendment applies to all Americans, regardless of their financial resources. Soliciting donations has time and again been classified as free speech, not as a business," said Link. "While city leaders may want to hide those in need from public view, they cannot unreasonably limit anyone’s right to free speech."

The legislation will be discussed at city council’s meeting on Monday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Akron City Hall.

"The law creates far more problems than it solves," concluded Link. "If city police officers must enforce the ordinance, they will be forced to use already strained resources patrolling intersections, ticketing panhandlers, and processing them in the justice system. In addition, city officials expect those who are ticketed to pay steep fines that they simply cannot afford. Rather than punishing those in need, city officials would be better served investing in community programs that would help these people get back on their feet."

Published in Local

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