Protest planned for Memphis City Council meeting
Protest planned for Memphis City Council meeting
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Concerned that their rights to free speech at Memphis City Council meetings could be taken away, some residents are planning to march into City Hall, with tape across their mouths, in a silent protest.
The Commercial Appeal reports the “Free the First” protest will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday in front of City Hall, where organizers will set up a “free speech wall” for people to write on leading up to the council’s 3:30 p.m. meeting.
Organizers are protesting an idea that the City Council could do away with, or put restrictions on, the two minutes per person currently available at the end of meetings for each citizen to address council members.
Organizer Robin Spielberger says the silent protest will “speak volumes.”
Council member Edmund Ford Jr. says cities like Nashville have put limitations on public comments at council meetings.
