Despite being aware that a proposed ordinance would unlawfully restrict the free speech rights of the Charleston community, members of Charleston’s Public Safety Committee advanced a bill Thursday night that presents significant concerns for free speech in West Virginia’s capital city.
The bill, No. 7889, if enacted, would prohibit people from congregating near intersections the city determines are “inherently dangerous.” The bill is an attempt to further criminalize poverty and panhandling.
However, it would also prohibit at these intersections:
- Politician honk-and-waves
- Student fundraisers
- Union picketing
- Journalists from gathering information
- Protests
Only one committee member voted “nay” on advancing it to the full council. We want to thank at-large council member Keeley Steele for her vote.
There are already ordinances on the books in Charleston to ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Public sidewalks are public forums for free speech. Individuals and groups—including protesters, picketers and booster clubs—must not be unlawfully restricted from exercising their constitutional rights to speak freely.
Charleston is suffering from a crisis of homelessness, made worse by the pandemic. Criminalizing protected free speech is not a solution to this problem. If we are to address legitimate safety concerns and ensure Charleston is a safe and welcoming community for everyone, we must first address a root cause of the problems too many face: poverty.
Please contact your representatives on city council and ask them to oppose this unnecessary and unconstitutional bill.
Unsure who represents you on city council? Use this link to find out: https://gisweb.cityofcharleston.org/cityclerk/myElectedreps.html
Find your council member’s contact information here: https://www.charlestonwv.gov/government/city-council