By JIM BUTLER
Time was assemblies at England Air Force Base were flag-waving gatherings, wishing deploying forces Godspeed or welcoming them home – no rules necessary.
Things change.
Issues of today’s world prompt sincere and emotional expression for and against.
England Airpark is no exception to the fact that some activities (ICE, data center, for example) draw a crowd.
Today, an England Authority committee will discuss how to manage use of public property for “expressive activities”.
The Admin/Legal Committee meets at noon to review a proposed addition to the Authority Code of Ordinances.
Under the 1st Amendment, protest is a guaranteed right but restrictions can be imposed as long as all groups are treated the same.
The England proposal provides for “reasonable” content-neutral regulation of demonstrations, protests, rallies, vigils, picketing and other expressive assemblies on Authority property.
It also proposes establishing permit procedures for certain planned demonstrations and addresses “spontaneous” demonstrations.
Peaceful assembly without rights infringement, minus illegal civil disobedience, is the obvious objective.
Committee members are Myron Lawson Jr., chair; Charlie Weems, vice chair; and Steve Mansour. Authority Chairman Oday Lavergne is an executive official member.
Any committee recommendation would ordinarily be forwarded to next Thursday’s monthly Authority session.