Coalition Concerned About County Permit Policy

Negative Impact on Free Speech

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2013

Contacts:

Frank Argote-Freyre, Director – 908-670-0552

Stan Organek – 908-770-0408

            The Latino Coalition today called on Monmouth County to reconsider a new permit policy requiring the public to request permission before gathering in front of the Hall of Records to express political or personal viewpoints.

             The new policy came to light on Monday morning [May 20] when a small gathering of Casa Freehold members were dispersed from in front of the Hall of Records. Casa Freehold, a member organization of the Latino Coalition, was bringing attention to comprehensive immigration reform legislation under consideration in Washington and attempting to inform the public about a hunger fast to protest the federal government’s deportation policy.

             “Over the years there have been countless peaceful demonstrations and gatherings in front of the Hall of Records and other county buildings,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, Director of the Latino Coalition. “All of a sudden there is a new policy requiring a permit to gather. We are concerned the permit process is an effort to squelch public debate.”

             “The group had been gathering there for several days immediately prior to their dispersal,” Argote-Freyre continued. “All of a sudden on a Monday morning there is a new policy in place. There are many unanswered questions about the permit policy. Where was the public discussion and input into the formation of a new policy? If two or three people want to gather there on a given day to express their political opinion will they be forced to leave the area? How long will it take to process a permit?”

             Stan Organek, a spokesman for the Latino Coalition, will attend today’s Freeholder meeting to raise concerns about the policy.  “Freedom of Speech is fundamental to our Democracy and a right that should not be diminished by local authority. We ask for a review as to the necessity of Free Speech permits at this location.  It looks to us as if the County has taken it upon themselves to solve a problem that heretofore did not exist.”

             A copy of his statement to the Monmouth County Freeholders [1 pm meeting] is attached to this press release.