Town creates `free-speech area` for signs

[Robbien]

HIGHLAND PARK, IL, United States (UPI) -- The Chicago suburb of Highland Park has created a free-speech area in a public park where advocacy groups of all stripes will be able to put up signs.

The measure was passed unanimously Monday by the Highland Park City Council.

"Creches, menorahs, crosses, anti-war, pro-war -- the city will not get in the business of regulating the content," Steven Elrod, the city`s corporation counsel, told the Chicago Tribune. "It`s rather aggressive, I must say."

There are some limits. Ads for political candidates, real estate signs and commercial advertising are banned.

The issue was forced by a group called the Highland Park Citizens United For Peace, who wanted to erect a display on the cost of the Iraq war in the downtown area.

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/northamerica/article_1025129.php/Town_creates_%60free-speech_area%60_for_signs

[UpInArms]

1. good for Highland Park!

:thumbsup:

No censorship for thought :D

[ashmanonar]

2. we shouldn't be having to make an area for it tho.

they should be allowed to do this freely (anywhere, anytime), as it would be in a truly free society.

[Renew Deal]

5. America is a free speech zone

We shouldn't need this.

[Griffy]

15. Umm.. you think anyone should be allowed to post signs eveywher?

I mean.. public parks?.. I want free speech everywhere, but not to erect billboards anywhere anyone wants.

[Toots]

3. I would say that is quite progressive of them

:thumbsup:

[Renew Deal]

4. We'll see how free it is when the burning crosses

go up.

[Outrider]

6. Where will it be in the park?

Bet ya it will be in an out of the way place so as not to offend the normal upstanding citizens. :sarcasm:

[kainah]

7. withholding judgment

This could be good but it could also be really bad. I'll withhold judgment until I see how it plays in practice. I have a lot of questions about how it's implemented.

[VegasWolf]

8. Wonder if there are size limits. What if local fundies put up a 60 foot

paper mache statue of Jesus?

[dissent1977]

9. The words "free speech area" scare me

This whole country is supposed to be a free speech area. Now I recognize that they can not allow people to put up signs anywhere they please, but I just hope this doesn't allow them to limit free expression elsewhere.

[VegasWolf]

10. Each state will be allowed one free speech area. nt

[Prairiefire]

11. And the rest of the city is...what, then?

[cestpaspossible]

14. An area where you have the right of free speech

but not necessarily erect signs on public property meant to remain when you leave?

[saigon68]

16. The Rets of the City is for CORPORATE FASCISM

And mind control

[newyawker99]

18. Hi Prairiefire!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[JusticeForAll]

12. this will get interesting

What will happen when the first display of a desecrated holy emblem occurs?

Or the first display of a swastika?

or "Jesus Hates Fags" sign?

[icymist]

13. Reminds me too much of the 'No protest zone' in Seattle, WTO 1999

That was recently ruled unconstitutional. 'Free speech zones' imply that there are 'no free speech zones'. Not a good idea.

[truthisfreedom]

17. "Town Creates 'free-thought area' under old aluminum plant

Seeking asylum from the madness of bushco, Highland Park has created a special area where everyone can think clearly under the blanket of the massive abandoned aluminum plant on the edge of town.