Judge OKs protest zones for Dem convention

Advocacy groups and the ACLU challenged plans to keep protesters far away, but a federal judge says the security measures are constitutional.

Published August 7, 2008 4:33PM (EDT)

A federal judge has ruled against a challenge to the security plans put in place for the Democratic National Convention. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado on behalf of advocacy groups that contend the plans are an unconstitutional restriction on free-speech rights.

The designated public protest zone is more than 700 feet away from the entrance to the Pepsi Center, where the convention is being held, and will be obstructed from delegates' view by a media tent.

Still to be considered are the security plans for Barack Obama's acceptance speech, which will be held at the Denver Broncos' stadium, Invesco Field at Mile High. A hearing on those plans has been scheduled for Aug. 12.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

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