Disruptive attendees of Los Angeles city council meetings could be booted for up to six days under a new proposal being considered by city officials.
Council Members Herb Wesson, Gil Cedillo, and Nury Martinez introduced the measure. It was discussed Tuesday, but has not yet received a vote. In order to pass, it requires two-thirds approval.
Under the proposed rule changes, anyone ejected from a city council meeting would be prohibited from attending any other city meetings for the remainder of the day. Anyone ejected within the next three business days would be barred for three more days. The penalty would increase to six days after that.
The proposed rule change has been crafted as carefully and narrowly as possible, but it’s still almost certain to result in a legal challenge. The American Civil Liberties Union has already voiced its opposition, calling it a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech.
Los Angeles leaders have seen their fair share of public disruptions over the years, ranging from amusing to dangerous.
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