Free Speech Rights Preserved

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Labor and civil rights activists succeeded in protecting free speech in the nation's capital Tuesday when the D.C. City Council voted 9-4 – with continued support coming from Councilmembers Thomas, Graham, Gray, Bowser, Mendelson, and Evans and critical votes coming from Councilmembers Alexander and Brown – to amend a controversial "noise bill." "This is a resounding victory for democracy," said Metro Council President Jos Williams. "People come to our nation's capital from all corners of our nation and all walks of life, and they expect to be able to raise their voices to those in power. Today's vote guarantees their right to do so." The victory followed a day of action Monday in which hundreds of labor and community activists emailed, called, and visited Councilmembers to urge them to protect free speech (Hundreds Rally for Free Speech 6/3/08 UC). “This victory would not have been possible without the leadership of UNITE HERE Local 25 and the Carpenters Joint Council and the support of our allies and friends,” said Williams. “This demonstrates what can be accomplished when labor is united.”