TRI In The News
Free Speech
From The Virginia Gazette
Original article available here
How ironic that City Council has to hold a secret meeting with its city attorney to discuss restricting free speech. At last Thursday’s council meeting, discussion was squelched on “presentation zones,” an Orwellian term for staging protestors at either end of Merchants Square.
The soapbox zone has considerable merit, for the religious and political rants over the years are disruptive to shopper and outdoor diners. No one begrudges free speech, but it comes with limits and responsibilities. One of which should be to hold any discussion public.
By law, closed sessions can be held for personnel matters, litigation and real estate transactions. None of these apply in this case, since the Rutherford Institute that is challenging the zones has only sent a letter of protest, without filing a lawsuit.
It’s too easy for public officials to hide behind closed doors to chat amiably about this or that without embarassment. This discussion, of all issues, should be out in the open.
