Montana Town Forbids All Protests (Except at City Hall), Because of Planned Protests of “Drag Story Hour”
From a Livingston (Montana) Police Department order, posted by the Livingston Enterprise (Sean Batura):
Whereas, a local business is presenting a “drag story hour” hosted by the Livingston Pride Coalition;
Whereas, individuals in drag reading stories to children is a sensitive issue in today’s political climate and has garnered national attention;
Whereas, The Livingston Police Department has received credible information of individuals planning to protest the “drag story hour” including groups who are planning to be armed with firearms;
Whereas, the primary function of the Livingston Police Department is to ensure the safety of the citizens of the community, preserve the peace, and mitigate traffic issues;
Whereas, lndividuals have the constitutionally protected right to peacefully assemble and protest;
Whereas, extraordinary measures are required to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the City’s citizens;
Whereas, United States Supreme Court Case—United States v. Grace, 461 US 171 (1983) has established the authority of government to enforce reasonable time, place, and manner of protests;
Now, therefore; by direct order of the City Manager, all protests occurring on May 20, 2023, between the hours of 0800 and 1700 hours shall be conducted in the parking lot of City Hall located at 220 E. Park Street, Livingston Montana. This Livingston Police Department General Order is approved and issued on this 18th day of May, 2023. All those found in violation of this order shall be subject to prosecution by the City of Livingston.
But this is unconstitutional. The right t
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