ACLU April Town Hall to Focus on Citizens Right to Assemble

Key West, despite its relatively small size, has seen large numbers of citizens take to the streets for the Women’s March, to speak up for health care and other important issues. The right to join with fellow citizens in protest or peaceful assembly is critical to a functioning democracy. It is also the very core of the First Amendment. Standing up for your right to protest can feel a little scary, even living in small communities such as Key West and the islands of the Florida Keys. But knowing your rights is the most powerful weapon you have against police abuse.

While we may not have recently experienced violations of this right from Key West law enforcement officers, it’s important for local activists to feel safe and to understand their rights when marching or gathering to protest.

The ACLU will present an educational town hall on “The Right to Assemble: What You Need to Know” from 7-9 pm on Thursday, April 13th at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West.

Panelists include South Florida attorney David Frankel, who has spent considerable time in the fray with the Water Protectors in South Dakota at Standing Rock, and Community Justice Project Co-Founder/ Attorney Alana Greer and Attorney and 20-year veteran of the public defender’s office Trish Docherty Gibson.

Audience members will be invited to ask the panelists questions such as:

  • Can my free speech be restricted because of what I say — even if it is controversial?
  • Where can I engage in free speech activity?
  • Do I need a permit before I engage in free speech activity?
  • If organizers have not obtained a permit, where can a march take place?
  • May I distribute leaflets and other literature on public sidewalks without a permit?
  • Do I have a right to picket on public sidewalks?
  • What do I do if I get stopped by the police? And if I’m under arrest?
  • Can I be searched?
  • What do I do if my rights have been violated?
  • Do I have the right to photograph or videotape during protests?
  • Can government impose a financial charge to exercise free speech rights?
  • What if we can’t afford the fees?
  • Do counter-demonstrators have free speech rights?
  • Does it matter if other speech activities have taken place at the same location?

The town hall is free and open to the public. More info: [email protected].

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]