Cleveland, ACLU reach settlement in suit over protest rules

A federal judge ruled Thursday that the restrictions on speeches and demonstrations outside of July’s Republican National Convention planned by the city of Cleveland were unconstitutional.

This story will be updated.

City officials argued that such items could be used to hide bombs.

Gwin’s decision doesn’t affect the U.S. Secret Service-designated “hard” security zone around convention events and media areas, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Gwin targeted several aspects of the zone’s suggested parameters, noting their accompanying rules were not conducive to free speech.

The settlement comes after U.S. District Judge James Gwin ruled the city’s restrictions where to hold protests and parades violated the First Amendment.

The ACLU’s main goals with this lawsuit are to reduce the restrictions, increase the hours per day for protests and marches, and allow greater access for marches and protests in areas that will be more visible to the main event space, the Quicken Loans arena. “If they want to walk up to the fence [outside the convention], put a bullhorn to their mouths and shout at the delegates, they can do that…”

The judge disagreed, saying the “unduly large” security zone “does not seem particularly tailored to the security issue”.

Hastings declined to comment immediately after the ruling, referring questions to the city’s press office. Currently, the ACLU is attempting to broker a new agreement with the city under the short time frame and hope to have a new deal within the coming weeks.

Citizens for Trump anticipates 104 cars and trucks, 100 motorcycles, four horses and at least 5,000 people to participate in its event, while Organize Ohio expects 3,000 to 5,000 marchers, the ACLU said.