SAVE FREE SPEECH IN DC!

Free speech in the District is again under attack by the DC City Council. Under the guise of controlling loud noise, the City Council narrowly approved legislation in early May that could shut down all amplified protest in DC. Councilmembers Kwame Brown and Yvette Alexander voted for the legislation even though they had voiced their support for a compromise amendment – supported by labor and civil liberties groups – prior to the vote. The compromise amendment – sponsored by Jack Evans – would protect free speech and guarantee quiet neighborhoods.

Send Councilmembers Brown and Alexander the letter below to tell them to stick to their initial commitment to support free speech and reintroduce and vote for the compromise amendment at the second vote on the bill this Tuesday.

Also, join hundreds of labor and community activists for a lobby day of action to save free speech today from 10A-12P at the John A. Wilson Building.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Save Free Speech in DC: Reintroduce the Evans Amendment!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to express my deep concern about your support for the current amended version of Bill 17-177, the "Noise Control Protection Amendment Act of 2007."

This legislation places severe restrictions on free speech in the District. In its current form, this bill would not only restrict amplified free speech in residential areas but throughout ALL parts of the city. The resulting effect is a muzzling of those of us that use sound to get our message out on issues that are important to us.

You expressed support for the Evans Amendment in the past. I feel this Amendment would strike the right balance between free speech rights and residents' desire for quiet neighborhoods in the District.

This is a critical issue for me. I urge you to take a stand for free speech rights and reintroduce the Evans Amendment at Tuesday's vote.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 30, 2008

Background Information

On May 6, the DC City Council gave initial approval for legislation that would severely limit free speech rights in DC (DC Council Votes to Limit Free Speech 5/7/08 UC). The legislation – introduced by Councilmembers Tommy Wells (Ward 6) last year and pushed by Mary Cheh (Ward 3) – was initially directed at a particular group that's been loudly demonstrating at 8th and H St NE for years. But because of the broader implications, the bill could affect every union picket line, rally or civil protest that uses a bullhorn or other form of amplified speech. The bill was tabled in February (Free Speech Restrictions Defeated 2/20/08 UC) but was resurrected in April (Labor Updates 4/18/08 UC). A compromise amendment – supported by labor and civil liberties group – was introduced by Jack Evans at the May 6 vote. The amendment – which would strike a balance between free speech and residents’ desire for quiet neighborhoods – was initially supported by Councilmembers Kwame Brown and Yvette Alexander. But Brown and Alexander changed their votes at the last minute, allowing the City Council to narrowly approve limits on free speech, despite the District’s already extensive noise ordinance regulations. The City Council will hold a second vote on the bill this Tuesday.