Noise Bill Gets Silent Treatment

In a spirited Noise Bill hearing Monday, the most effective testimony came from UNITE HERE Local 25 Executive Secretary Treasurer John Boardman, who simply left the microphone off, making it impossible for DC City Council members to hear what he was saying. Local labor leaders, residents, legal experts, and community representatives packed the room to strongly defend freedom of speech at the hearing on the proposed Noise Bill introduced by Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, which would limit the decibel and distance levels of non-commercial public speech. “This bill impedes our rights,” said Boardman, after turning on his microphone. “You can't limit distance and volume and expect to have free speech.” Added Metro Council President Jos Williams, “the inconveniences of a few does not justify changes in the current law that protects the free speech rights of hundreds of thousands in DC.” Quoting Daniel Webster, Johnny Barnes of the ACLU of the National Capital Area said “if there was one right I would keep, it would be my First Amendment rights, because with the freedom of speech I could get all my other rights back.” Councilmember Kwame Brown, who spoke at the recent SEIU 1199 rally on Military Road, raised concerns with the proposed restrictions. That rally “was probably louder than 70 decibels and we probably wouldn't have been able to protest,” under the proposed bill, said Brown. “I don't want to protest in a whisper.” Opponents of the bill noted a lack of public support for the restrictions. “You don't see a large group of civic organizations and residents supporting this,” said Tony Norman, of the McMillian Park Committee. “The fact is, this bill is nothing more than an attempt to silence a specific group,” said ANC Commissioner Nate Mathews. (above from right to left) John Boardman, Johnny Barnes, and Jos Williams testifying at hearing
-Reported/photo by Andy Richards