Milwaukee's Public Works debates free speech and demonstrations ahead of RNC

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Officials at Milwaukee’s Public Works Committee debated an ordinance public officials are required to fulfill ahead of the Republican National Convention.

According to City Attorney in the RNC role Andrea Fowler, Milwaukee is required to designate a safe area for people to gather as part of their RNC obligations that is near “sight and sound.”

For the RNC, the city is considering two locations – one where people can partake in a parade and another where people can exercise free speech on a stage. This is the same process the city followed during the 2020 Democratic National Convention before it became virtual because of COVID-19.

It’s a practice that’s consistent with both Republican and Democratic National Conventions in many cities.

On Wednesday morning, it became a highly debated topic at the city’s public works meeting where concerns were raised about hate speech and first amendment rights.

As of right now, the ordinance states there are no restrictions as to what kind of groups can speak – as long as they remain peaceful. Groups are required to obtain a permit to speak.

Several public works committee members raised concerns about hate groups using that platform.

Assistant City Attorney Kathyrn Block said at the meeting, the city needs to allow anyone who has a permit on the stage.

“If we stop people from speaking in advance of any problems, then we will have a whole different set of lawsuits to contend with,” said Block.

Block says by issuing permits, the city can encourage commentary in one or two areas instead of protests in several areas.

Council members argued for an application process to be added in the ordinance. If an application is falsified, your permit can be denied.

“Everyone has first amendment rights regardless of how abhorrent you find their message. We can punish behavior and there is a provision in the ordinance that would address groups that have had a demonstrated history of violence,” said Block.

In January, a lawsuit was filed against the City of Chicago for denying activists permits to speak during the DNC.

Block says the City of Milwaukee is trying to avoid a similar lawsuit by issuing permits.

An amendment to allow the city to deny permits based on previous violent behavior will head to a special committee meeting on March 18.