ACLU sues Seattle over enforcement of rally rules

By Christine Clarridge
Seattle Times staff reporter

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, specifically says the city's "Parade and Special Events" ordinances are unconstitutional because they allow city officials and police to set arbitrary conditions for demonstrations, and revoke permits without notice.

The ultimate goal of the lawsuit is to streamline Seattle's permitting system, said Julya Hampton, the legal program director for the ACLU of Washington.

"Marching in the streets is a traditional way for Americans to express their political views," Hampton said. "Yet activists in Seattle have long experienced difficulty in seeking to hold peaceful marches."

Kathryn Harper, a spokeswoman for City Attorney Tom Carr, declined to comment on the suit in detail, saying Carr had not yet received it.

But Harper said, in general, the police have done a good job of protecting public safety while allowing demonstrations. "It's a balancing act," she said.

The ACLU is suing for a protest group called the "October 22 Coalition."

The group of about 100 was given a permit for its annual march last fall, yet Seattle police stopped people from stepping into the street by claiming the permit was invalidated when too many people showed up.

The police wouldn't provide any documents, or any further explanation, about why the permit had been rescinded, the ACLU contends.

Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company