Sheriff Grayson Robinson carries a big stick. Arapahoe County Ordinance 2008-02 makes would-be protesters on his turf carry little sticks.
The county’s commissioners agreed Tuesday by a 3-2 vote to outlaw sticks longer than 48 inches, wider than 2 inches and thicker than one-fourth of an inch at protests. The dimension is half as thick as the usual sticks political parties use to hoist signs at rallies — and not as easily obtained.
Robinson wanted the new law to prepare for possible protests at the Denver Tech Center, where some delegations will be staying during the Democratic National Convention.
The commission’s three Republicans voted against its two Democrats to approve the new law, which will expire in a year.
Two attorneys questioned the measure during the public hearing Tuesday.
“I think it is overly broad and makes things that are otherwise legal illegal,” said Martha Karnopp of Aurora, who is running for the commission’s 3rd District seat.
Commissioners Frank Weddig and Pat Noonan, the Democrats, advocated changing the rule to allow standard-sized sticks of half-inch thickness.
Weddig found that the quarter-inch lath is available only as a finished piece of trim that is more expensive and comes in 8-foot lengths. The amendment was overruled.
The law also outlaws water guns and any device that could launch projectiles or liquids. The sheriff said sometimes violent protesters launch urine bombs at police. Bars, metal cables — anything that might be used as a weapon — are all outlawed.
The law also precludes use of gas masks.
