So says the Salt Lake City Council, which today will discuss a ban on the picketing within 100 feet of a residence.
The proposed protest prohibition stems from rowdy demonstrations staged last fall and again this spring outside the homes of U. employees whose work involved the use of animals for research.
City Councilman Eric Jergensen says the picketing grew so "obnoxious" that the throngs "hoped to bring the peace of the neighborhood to a screeching halt."
"That's not the way to do this," Jergensen said.
City attorneys have yet to weigh in on the proposal. But city staffers note similar picketing ordinances have been adopted across the nation, typically to protect people who work in clinics that provide abortions.
The council may adopt the measure or hold off and schedule a future public hearing.
- Derek P. Jensen
