Attempts to regulate protests in St. Augustine raises questions about free speech

St. Augustine city commissioners are taking up a controversial ordinance aimed at regulating protests in the city’s Plaza de la Constitucion.

This is where major events, such as the Nights of Light’s kickoff are held.

During last year’s event, there was a large protest against city Confederate monuments, led by the Rev. Ron Rawls of St. Paul AME Church.

The proposed ordinance requires protesters and counter-protesters to remain on the perimeter sidewalk while event participants occupy the Plaza.

According to the ordinance, protest and counter-protest participants may also be separated by law enforcement personnel at a designated location in order to maintain peace.

Rev. Rawls says protesters are being targeted, and he sees this as an attack on First Amendment rights and free speech.

“To put us on the outside and to limit our ability to do what we’re there to do, they are definitely trying to silence our voices,” he said.

Several other public speakers came out against the ordinance at Monday’s city commission meeting.

City leaders say they looked at years of event policy and events like last year’s Charlottesville riots in crafting this ordinance.

They say it was all about finding a balance between allowing free speech and creating a safe environment for protesters, counter-protesters and event attendees.

“We want to keep everyone safe,” said Mayor Nancy Shaver. “We don’t want to have a disaster on our hands.”

Rev. Rawls tells Action News Jax there was no need for ordinance, because protesters have never become violent or gotten out of hand.

“There’s never been a question of violence or act of violence committed,” he said.

The first reading of the ordinance passed 3 to 2. It will be heard for the final time at the city’s next meeting on November 12th.

Cox Media Group