Freedom of Speech Right of All
Posted 08-12-1997
Several months ago I wrote about why the county denied the Klu Klux Klan access to county
property to erect a monument to their members. This month I would like to tell you why we
did not deny them access to hold a public rally. Obviously there is a difference from
erecting a structure and just holding a rally. We have more leverage legally in denying
the use of our property for unattended displays. However, constitutionally it would have
been a losing battle to try to deny the Klan access for their rally.
Several weeks ago we received word that the
Klan would be in our offices applying for a rally permit. Unfortunately, the media swarms
around every move made by the Klan because it creates a news story. So with cameras
clicking, the Klan made their application for an August 16th rally. We gave no immediate
word of approval because again, they didn't meet our four week time frame for applying for
permits.
The next day the commissioners met with our
county solicitor to review the application and determine a prudent course of action.
Emotionally, the Klan is so repulsive that I wanted to find ways of throwing up roadblocks
to their application. But after discussion and review of what has happened in Allegheny
County and Bedford County, where the county is fighting a court order to pay a $10,000
legal bill for the Klan, we determined the best thing to do was to grant the permit with
as little fanfare as possible.
The alternative of denying the application
and being dragged into federal court was not very appealing. The problem with cases
involving the Klan is they would be represented by the ACLU who would sue not only for
access to Courthouse Square but for their legal costs. So with legal precedence on their
side and the prospect of spending taxpayer dollars for a losing battle, I believe we acted
responsibly.
The Commissioners in no way condone the
message of the Klan, in fact we strongly oppose their message of hate. We are encouraging
people to stay away from the Courthouse that day, and I will be participating in a Unity
Rally the Thursday night before their rally. We also intend to rededicate Courthouse
Square in the name of peace and unity the Monday after the Klan rally. What makes our
nation so great is that every group, regardless of the message, is free to speak. While I
strongly disapprove of the Klan, I am proud to live in a country with such great freedoms. |
