Does the right to protest include the right to set up camp in downtown Manhattan? When it comes to Occupy Wall Street and protesters in Zuccotti Park, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg doesn’t think so. “The Constitution doesn’t protect tents,” he said at a news conference earlier this week in Queens. “It protects speech and assembly.” Mayor Bloomberg also suggested that those exercising a “right to be silent” might be having their rights trampled by the constant noise coming from the demonstrations in their tent city. Jeffrey Rosen, professor at George Washington University Law School, says the Constitution is on the side of the protesters.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.