Franklin halts vote on proposed "Free Speech Zone"

The City of Atlanta has backed down from a measure that would have required prior written permission before a public demonstration.

The ordinance by Atlanta Councilman Jim Maddox would have set up "Free Speech Zones" for any public demonstration where counter-protesters may be expected. The measure was to go before the city council this week for a vote. However, over the weekend Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin asked the city's Law Department to review the idea. The ACLU had warned the city that the ordinance would be unconstitutional.

In his proposed resolution, Maddox says if a group of vegetarians are gathered and someone hands out flyers touting the benefits of chicken, such interference threatens public safety.

The proposed law would require event organizers to submit the names of authorized participants to the police in advance of the event. And, anyone who attempts to protest outside the free speech zone could have been arrested.