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ACLU Sues to Block Curfew and Restrictions on Occupy Nashville Protests

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

State Democratic leaders joined the protesters in urging Governor Bill Haslam to rescind the rules, calling the plaza a "people's space" where numerous groups have held demonstrations without incident. The lawsuit claims the regulations were implemented without proper notice and violate the First Amendment rights of the protesters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ACLU filed a federal court lawsuit on behalf of Occupy Nashville protesters seeking to block a curfew and other restrictions on protests on the State Capitol grounds.
  • The lawsuit charges that the regulations were enacted "by fiat" and violate the protesters' First Amendment rights to peacefully protest.
  • State Democratic leaders, including Rep. Mike Turner and Rep. Mike Stewart, called on Governor Bill Haslam to rescind the rules.
  • The plaza has been used for various protests and demonstrations, including those by the Tea Party, labor unions, and teachers, without incident.
  • Cleanup crews removed the protesters' belongings, but there was no damage to the plaza itself.
  • Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester joined Rep. Mike Stewart and Rep. Mike Turner at a Legislative Plaza press conference to voice opposition to the new voter ID law.
  • Governor Bill Haslam signed off on the new rules after some protesters themselves complained about theft and unsanitary conditions.
  • The regulations impose a 10 p.m. curfew and $1 million liability insurance requirement for protesters.
  • A federal judge is set to hear arguments from both sides on the protesters' request to enjoin the state from enforcing the regulations.
  • 29 protesters were arrested and removed from the plaza in the early hours of Friday, and 26 more were arrested early Saturday.

Statistics:

  • 29 protesters were arrested and removed from the plaza on Friday.
  • 26 protesters were arrested on Saturday.
  • The protesters were charged with misdemeanor trespass charges.
  • A Davidson County night court commissioner refused to jail the protesters or sign their arrest warrants due to a lack of public notice of the new rules.
  • The protesters are scheduled to appear in court on November 18.
  • Cleanup crews removed the protesters' belongings but reported no damage to the plaza itself.

Sources:

  • "Nashville -- The ACLU filed a federal court lawsuit today on behalf of Occupy Nashville protesters seeking to block a curfew and other restrictions on protests on the State Capitol grounds..." (Richard Locker, The Commercial Appeal, October 31)
  • "Tennessee Democrats are defending "Occupy Nashville." If the Democrats want to associate themselves with this bunch, more power to them, but I think it shows how out of touch they are with everyday Tennesseans." (Chris Devaney, Tennessee Republican Party Chairman, October 31)

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