ACLU: did the Crystal Lake Police Department violate the First Amendment?

Posted Fri, Aug 24, 2007 at 9:20 am
Someone call the ACLU!
An event by the Illinois Minuteman Project scheduled for Saturday has been canceled after the Crystal Lake Police Department demanded a $3,500 payment for security costs from the hotel where the event was to be held.

Regardless of how one feels about the Minutemen, the request by the police department is inappropriate. The Minutemen were planning to hold a private event on private property at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake. The supposed security need was for protesters – the McHenry County Peace Group – who were going to be on public property near the event...
If the event had been scheduled for a public location, I'm pretty sure the PD's actions would be unconstitutional. I don't know whether because the protesters were going to be in a public area means that their decision was likewise unconstitutional.

Comments

smartass sob (not verified)

Fri, 08/24/2007 - 18:51

_The supposed security need was for protesters – the McHenry County Peace Group – who were going to be on public property near the event..._ Then the cops should send the bill to the McHenry County Peace Group. Why in hell should the cops get paid extra for doing what is actually their job in the first place?!

Tanstaafl (not verified)

Sat, 08/25/2007 - 14:37

When the government starts making excuses about why it can't do its job...it's time for a new government. God help us.

mary (not verified)

Sat, 08/25/2007 - 15:09

Womder who pays for security when the ILLEGAL hordes march in the streets????? Oh yeah,...... WE DO!!!!