This lawsuit, filed May 2, 2008, against Denver and the United States Secret Service on behalf of twelve national and local advocacy organizations, seeks to protect the First Amendment rights of individual and organizations that wish to express their views about issues of public concern during the time of the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August, 2008. The suit asks the court to order Denver to process pending requests for permits for parades and demonstrations that will use the City streets. It also seeks disclosure and judicial review of the anticipated regulations affecting expression at or near the Convention site, including disclosure of the details of the anticipated “demonstration zone.”
Plaintiffs achieved several of their goals through pre-trial proceedings, as memorialized in the Court's Order of June 9. Remaining issues were resolved in a trial to the court. After trial, on August 6, Judge Krieger issued a Memorandum and Order rejecting Plaintiffs' remaining claims. American Civil Liberties Union v. City and County of Denver, 569 F. Supp. 2d 1142 (D. Colo. 2008).
ACLU news releases:
- "ACLU sues Denver and Secret Service to protect First Amendment rights during 2008 Democratic National Convention," ACLU News Release, May 2, 2008
- "In ACLU lawsuit regarding First Amendment activity during DNC, parties agree on some issues; additional issues remain for federal coiurt resolution," ACLU News Release, May 22, 2008
Media:
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“Denver won’t ‘cage protesters’ at DNC,” The Denver Post, April 17, 2008
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“Convention Preparations Prompt Suit by A.C.L.U.,” New York Times, May 3, 2008
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“Suit filed to ensure protesters have say at DNC,” The Denver Post, May 2, 2008
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“Suit filed over sites for DNC protests,” The Denver Post, May 2, 2008
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“ACLU, Denver reach partial agreement on lawsuit,” The Denver Post, May 23, 2008
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“DNC parade route to be announced,” The Denver Post, May 23, 2008
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“Parade route set for DNC week.” The Denver Post, June 12, 2008
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“ACLU amends lawsuit over convention restrictions,” The Denver Post, June 30, 2008
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“DNC protests will be behind fence,” The Denver Post, June 30, 2008
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“Potential protestors say DNC site is too far away,” 9 News, July 1, 2008
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“Secret Service won’t search all DNC protesters,” The Denver Post, July 8, 2008
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“Demonstrators, city spar over DNC plans,” The Denver Post, July 22, 2008
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“ACLU decries Denver's map for protesting at the DNC,” Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, July 1, 2008
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“Denver must protect the rights of DNC protesters,” Editorial, The Denver Post, July 17, 2008
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“Demonstrators, city spar over DNC plans,” 9 News, July 22, 2008
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“No DNC protester searches sans cause,” The Denver Post, July 28, 2008
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“Protesters at court: Free speech will be ‘caged’ at DNC,” The Denver Post, July 29, 2008
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“Trial begins on DNC protest plans,” 9 News, July 29, 2008
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“Recreate 68 will protest DNC’s “freedom cage,” The Denver Post, July 30, 2008
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“Judge: No changes to DNC security plan,” The Denver Post, August 6, 2008
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“Judge rules there will be no changes to DNC security plan,” 9 News, August 6, 2008
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“Legal challenge to DNC restrictions is over,” The Denver Post, August 7, 2008
ACLU case number
2008-06
