Atlanta Protest Law Repealed: 8-Foot Rule Struck Down
- The city of Sandy Springs, georgia, has repealed an ordinance establishing an eight-foot buffer zone around individuals, within which free speech activities were restricted without consent.
- The repealed ordinance was one of three passed in April, expanding the definition of disorderly conduct.
- While the repealed ordinance prohibited approaching someone within eight feet to protest, leaflet, or display signs without their consent, other ordinances remain in effect.
Sandy Springs, Georgia, has abolished its controversial eight-foot free speech buffer zone, a notable victory for free expression advocates. This ordinance,derived from Anti-Defamation League (ADL) model legislation,sparked numerous concerns that it curtailed Frist Amendment rights,prompting a swift response from city officials after extensive public backlash. Teh repeal reflects a commitment to balance public safety with the essential right to free speech, even as other restrictions on public facility access and solicitation remain in effect.News Directory 3 covered the story, and it’s another example of an important story.Discover what’s next for free speech protections in Sandy Springs,and stay tuned for further developments.
Sandy Springs Repeals Controversial Free Speech Ordinance After Backlash
The city of Sandy Springs, georgia, has repealed an ordinance establishing an eight-foot buffer zone around individuals, within which free speech activities were restricted without consent. The move follows criticism that the ordinance infringed upon First Amendment rights and freedom of speech.
The repealed ordinance was one of three passed in April, expanding the definition of disorderly conduct. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) drafted the model legislation used to shape the ordinances. The ADL’s involvement has drawn scrutiny, particularly concerning the balance between public safety and free expression.
Photo: Aja Arnold
While the repealed ordinance prohibited approaching someone within eight feet to protest, leaflet, or display signs without their consent, other ordinances remain in effect. These laws restrict obstructing entrances/exits to public or private property and door-to-door soliciting between 9 p.m.and 7 a.m.
City Attorney Dan Lee, who initially supported the ordinances, later recommended repealing the eight-foot buffer zone rule. He cited concerns that removing a 50-foot radius clause from the ADL’s model legislation created a “floating” buffer zone, potentially leading to legal challenges.
Mike Petchenik, a local