Downtown Councilman Roberto Trevino wants to make it easier for people to stage protest demonstrations in San Antonio, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Trevino, in a Council Consideration Request cosigned by Mayoral candidate Ron Nirenberg, is calling on City staff to 'review' the city's policies in issuing permits for 'peaceful First Amendment assemblies and processions.'
The day after President Trump issued his executive order halting immigration from seven Middle Eastern and North African nations, protests erupted at airports across the country.
But no protests could be held at the San Antonio International Airport, because current city law requires 48 hours notice before receiving a permit for a 'public assembly.'
Trevino says the City Attorney will work with 'community leaders and citizens' to 'provide options for potentially easing restrictions for safe, peaceful, and legal demonstrations,' and would also 'ease the burden citizens and organizations face when filing for permits for assemblies and processions in public spaces in the City.
'"The right to assemble is one of our nation's identity, so it is critical that the City is proactive about safeguarding the First Amendment rights of our citizens," Trevino said. "Right now, many folks are actively voicing their opinions and concerns. The City should seek the proper balance between citizens' rights to express opinions and the City's need to ensure safety."
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