Denver’s proposed changes to its permitting process for parks and parades drew strong criticism on Friday from the American Civil Liberties Union and the local protest group Re-Create 68, when both groups submitted extensive written comments to city officials.
As expected, a chief concern was the priority system government gives itself for permits. The changes are being made in anticipation of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, but would remain in place after the event, if the city council approves the new measures in January.
The changed system would give government agencies that apply for permits as other applications an automatic lock on the permit.
“At the DNC, Denver or any federal, state or local government can simply co-sponsor any event it favors, monopolizing Denver’s parks and streets for government-approved activities,” wrote ACLU attorney Taylor Pendergrass in a press release. “We don’t believe that is what the Constitution allows, nor frankly is it what we expected from city officials who have repeatedly pledged to respect free speech rights.”
The Denver Post first reported the proposed changes this week. The paper found that the city’s host committee, which is responsible for raising $55 million in cash and services for the convention, wishes to use some of the same parks that Re-Create 68 and other protest groups want to use.
Glenn Spagnuolo, a Re-Create 68 organizer, said he would ask city council members to allow for a public comment period during the council’s next meeting, when they are expected to review the proposals.
City attorney David Fine has said that the change are modeled on Salt Lake City ordinances crafted during the 2002 Winter Olympics, and that the measures have withstood judicial review as nondiscriminatory.
Chuck Plunkett: 303-954-1333 or cplunkett@denverpost.com
