Minnesota State Capitol panel reluctant to tighten protest rules

Minnesota government leaders hesitated Tuesday to tighten rules against Capitol protests that don’t have permits even though some recent demonstrations have turned into heated confrontations.

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, who chairs a Capitol security committee that examined the issue, said the State Patrol, which provides security in the Capitol complex, has managed these situations well on a case-by-case basis.

“The First Amendment doesn’t say … you can exercise your First Amendment rights if you have a permit. It says you can exercise your First Amendment rights,” Smith said. “We’ve done a good job of living up to that standard.”

The current permitting process exists to allow groups to reserve space on the Capitol grounds and give security an idea of the anticipated turnout, Minnesota Public Radio reported . But some rallies have drawn opponents who have sought to disrupt or counter the main event.

Read more: http://www.twincities.com/2017/09/19/minnesota-state-capitol-panel-reluctant-to-tighten-protest-rules/