Press Release: Repeal Son of Patriot Act!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, November 29, 2004
Contact: Heidi McLean 916/456.9435 or 916/996.9170

Attention: Daybook/News Desk


City Council moves to approve ‘son of
PATRIOT Act'; Measure would restrict
protests, charge community leaders

SACRAMENTO – Community members – including civil rights lawyers – will pack
the City Council chambers Tuesday at 730 I Street at 7 p.m. to oppose an
expected vote to approve a constitutionally-questionable law restricting
free speech.

The ordinance, known by those opposing it as the "son of PATRIOT Act," has
been delayed by community leaders for months.

The revised ordinance could outlaw "spontaneous" demonstrations in many
cases, and even make it illegal to have most candlelight vigils. It also
severely restricts what people may carry at parades - but allows guns.

The original, so-called "parade ordinance" was approved in secret last year
without notice or discussion by the City Council, and resulted in a severe
crackdown on peaceful assembly – and charges of police brutality – at the
Agricultural Science and Technology Conference in Sacramento in July of 2003.

In response to complaints by citizens, the city relented and agreed to hold
public meetings earlier this year where participants pleaded for the city
to repeal the ordinance in its entirety. At least one civil rights attorney
said he would immediately file suit if the city council did not repeal the
ordinance.

The city has only proposed to "amend" the objectionable ordinance, which
community leaders still oppose. At least 100 people opposed to the
ordinance have attended past city council meetings to oppose the ordinance.