City may retool speech limits

New rules were drafted after antigay protesters disrupted last year's St. Pete Pride event.

By STEPHANIE GARRY
Published June 25, 2007

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ST. PETERSBURG -Bracing for First Amendment challenges at this weekend's St. Pete Pride festival, city officials are meeting today to review and possibly redraft rules limiting speech at the event.

Earlier this year, the city prohibited hand-held signs or banners and megaphones. Later, the City Council approved an ordinance that allows the police to enforce the permit conditions with fines or arrests.

The new restrictions were a result of a disruption at last year's event when protesters used signs and megaphones to make antigay statements. "You have to balance First Amendment issues with public safety," said City Attorney John Wolfe.

The event takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Central Avenue between 32nd and 20th streets.

Wolfe said his office has been researching First Amendment issues to prepare for the meeting. The city will consider revising the permit to loosen restrictions on speech for the parade portion of the event before the festival.

It will also review the location of the protest zone, which will be behind the Sirius Satellite dance floor on Central Avenue between 28th and 27th Streets, according to a map of the event.

To ensure protesters' right to free speech, the city must make sure the zone allows protesters to interact with attendees.