The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners unanimously has approved a requirement for groups using the Newton Green to provide proof of insurance.
Did recent nonviolent rallies against national policies lead to this?
The protesters left the park immaculately clean (I have photos).
Does Sussex County want to suppress free speech and use of a public park?
How many people comprise a group anyway? A family is a group. Do families need insurance to use the Green? How about a Girl Scout troop? What about a birthday party of 14 kids, a gathering celebrating the New Year or to watch an eclipse or comet?
In some cities, 20 to 30 people is considered a group, but is there a law limiting how many groups can use the Green at one time?
Parks in some places require permits and insurance for large events, such as parades, concerts and weddings, but courts have determined that people don’t need a permit or insurance to exercise First Amendment constitutional rights.
The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Illinois ruled that an ordinance requiring a permit and insurance violated the First Amendment.
The Supreme Court found that a Georgia county’s ordinance requiring permits was “fatally flawed because it gave too much discretion to county officials to use permits and fees to discourage unpopular speech.”
In 2015, New York City paid $583,000 to 14 “Occupy Wall Street” plaintiffs arrested without cause for peaceful protest. Protesters won a record $13 million for NYPD misconduct during peaceful protests in 2020.
In 2022, the City of Graham, N.C., paid $336,900 for use of excessive force in a peaceful voting rights protest.
People are allowed to assemble and protest publicly without insurance.
Does our county commission need a refresher on the Constitution and Bill of Rights (free online or for $1 from the ACLU).
This insurance requirement is a deliberate attempt to suppress the speech of a more diverse Sussex County. Overregulation and efforts to suppress free speech cost money and our moral integrity.
Will Sussex County exemplify the peaceful co-existence our world needs or suppress constitutional rights, provoke division and cost taxpayers money when those who govern force good police to enforce unjust or illegal laws?
Standing, sitting or walking around a small park has its limits. It’s time for protesters to carry their signs, bells, whistles and cowbells to the streets and sidewalks. Just keep walking. No one needs a permit or insurance to walk, speak or sing.
First walk? Right past the county commissioners’ office and up or down any public street or neighborhood past schools, churches and sporting events.
Cross the street in groups of 200. It’s not blocking traffic if you keep walking. Trouble walking? Come in a wheelchair or scooter. People will help if needed. Bring strollers with kids or to carry your stuff.
“Teach your children well.”
Linda Busch-Somach
Lafayette