Muzzled Outside the Supreme Court
Letters to the Editor
Washington Post
Saturday, June 15, 2002
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals recently struck down a ban on demonstrations on the sidewalk of the Capitol's east front [front page, June 1]. While sidewalk demonstrations had been banned, demonstrations were permitted on the steps of the Capitol. Across the street at the Supreme Court, however, the opposite is true: Protests are allowed on the sidewalk but not on the steps. A Supreme Court police officer has actually said to us, and we quote, "Where the marble starts, free speech ends."
Later this month, 7 anti-death penalty demonstrators will go on trial at D.C. Superior Court for the crime of unfurling a banner reading "Stop Executions!" at the top of the Supreme Court steps on Jan. 17, the 25th anniversary of the resumption of executions under contemporary law. Peaceful, nonviolent dissent in this country is a right and a citizen's duty. It is inexcusable for the government to send conflicting messages to individuals who engage in such protest based solely upon the location of such activity.
ABRAHAM J. BONOWITZ---Jupiter, Fla.
RICK HALPERIN---Dallas