Council hears 'voluntary' plan to check Minneapolis protests

Council Member Paul Ostrow cited demonstrations that "shut down" Seattle in '99. Others said he was sowing panic.

By RANDY FURST, Star Tribune

Last update: May 7, 2008 - 9:24 PM

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Warning of the consequences "if protesters are allowed to run wild" during the Republican National Convention, Minneapolis City Council Member Paul Ostrow Wednesday offered a "voluntary" plan to regulate demonstrations in the city.

The plan drew praise from business organizations and police and quick condemnation from protest groups.

Three of Ostrow's fellow council members also criticized the plan at a hearing in which Ostrow cited anti-globalism protests in 1999 when the "city of Seattle was shut down."

Council Member Gary Schiff said such remarks "reflect panic," which Ostrow denied.

Ostrow proposed a "voluntary registration plan" for sidewalk protests, but Council Member Cam Gordon said it actually was a mandatory plan because groups must get approval for public assemblies for more than 50 people in which pedestrians are unable to use the sidewalks.

Although Minneapolis currently regulates street parades, it has no rules on sidewalk protests.

While there would be no penalty for failure to register under Ostrow's plan, the city could deny a permit for the action. A police decision "to disperse or arrest assembly participants shall not be based solely on the fact that a plan has not been approved for the assembly," the proposal says.

Police Chief Tim Dolan said police "feel very comfortable" with the proposal. Also backing it were the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, Greater Minneapolis Building Owners and Managers Association and the Downtown Council.

Protest groups said there were sufficient laws on the books and the proposal was unfairly restrictive.

Ostrow said he plans revisions, and Gordon said he will propose "completely voluntary" registration when the public safety and regulatory services committee takes more public testimony on May 21.

Randy Furst • 612-673-7382

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