Free speech limit voted down
Controversial resolution would have limited protests on county property
Cheers and ch ants filled the Oklahoma County commissioners' meeting room Friday when, after more than an hour of public comments, commissioners struck down a resolution that would have regulated free speech on county property.
More than 30 people detailed their frustrations to commissioners, saying the limits would be unconstitutional and that whoever wrote the resolution should come forward.
“The citizens who pay your salaries and pay f or public spaces like this one are here to remind you that we are not going anywhere,” one speaker said.
The resolution, which was first discussed by commissioners Wednesday, would have limited free-speech activities to six areas outside of the courthouse, the county jail and other buildings. Judges would also have been able to unilaterally stop any protest they deemed too disturbing.
Officials said the intent was to deter interference with jury trials, which are set to resume Monday. The Oklahoman has learned several judges were pushing for the measure, which they say would have prevented defendants from appealing their convictions by saying protests swayed jurors.
In the initial moments of Friday' s meeting, it was unclear if the dozens of demonstrators would be able to speak.
Public comment was suspended by commissioners months ago due to COVID-19. Commissioner Carrie Blumert recently pushed for comments to be reinstated, but officials say there are virtual technicalities still being worked out.
Regardless, some people have spoken at previous meetings, t hough Friday's demonstration was the largest public discourse in months.
In addition to comments about the resolution, speakers talked about police brutality, mistreatment of inmates at the county jail and anger at
the county is spending its federal COVID-19 relief funds.
“It is very healing to talk publicly and be able to have someone listen to you, isn't it?” Blumert told demonstrators after the public comment period had ended. “Please continue to hold us accountable.”
Dozens of demonstrators showed up to Wednesday's meeting to protest the resolution, as well, and weren't allowed time for public comment. At that point, it was unclear how Commissioners Brian Maughan and Kevin Calvey would vote so long as the resolution had a few tweaks.
Blum er th ad been vocal about her opposition to any version of the measure.
Court Clerk Rick Warren was the initial sponsor of the resolution, but after the protests Wednesday, he recanted his support and said he had pushed the measure forward because other elected officials asked him to.
At Friday's meeting, Calvey said he would not support the resolution because it put an “undue burden” on the right to free speech.
Both Maughan and Calvey later said they would support a modified resolution that still addressed some of the same concerns
Demonstrators made it clear if a similar resolution came up for a vote again, they would continue protesting.
“We will not be silenced,” one person said .“We will do whatever we can to make others have a voice, especially the minority communities.”