DC Council Votes to Limit Free Speech

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
DC City Council approved a noise bill Tuesday that Metro Council President Jos Williams immediately blasted as "a resounding slap in the face of free speech here in the nation's capital." The Council voted down compromise legislation crafted with labor support.  "This preliminary vote by the City Council impinges on free speech,” said ACLU President Johnny Barnes, “and we are disappointed that the Evans compromise amendment -- which would have ameliorated the issues raised -- failed to pass." The vote was 7-6 with Councilmembers Marion Barry, Mary Cheh, Tommy Wells, David Catania, Carol Schwartz, Yvette Alexander and Kwame Brown voting to limit free speech. Though the bill is intended to deal with one specific group, labor and civil rights advocates are concerned that it will be used to limit noise levels at other demonstrations in the District. "We will not be silenced," vowed Williams, "the demand for justice cannot be whispered."