Free Speech

Over the past couple of years, the House, under the leadership of Speaker Curtis, Majority Leader Alexander, and others within the body, have increased the openness and accessibility of Utah State government and the political process.  Committee meetings are now broadcast and archived online, blogging and podcasting is being rapidly adopted to improve citizen communication, access to legislative reports and legislative filings (such as conflict disclosures) are readily available online, etc.  Much of these changes are the result of re-evaluating and adjusting traditional practices by leveraging powerful technological innovations.  The democratization of technology and the tools of production are empowering a greater transparency of our democratic process.  I believe the leadership of the legislature has also led to greater openness of the judicial process and will lead to improved transparency in the executive branch as well (for example, they have promised me that they will do a better job notifying citizens of upcoming public meetings, just like the legislature has been doing for years).

With these steps toward greater openness, I'm surprised that many in the media think that the legislature will limit free speech on the Capitol complex.  Free speech is such a fundamental right, the legislature won't adopt any rules that limit the right of citizens to peaceably assembly.

From my perspective, there are 3 key parameters that should apply:

1. The opportunity to freely assemble and express one's opinion should be protected for all Utahns
2. Advocates and protesters can't impede any individual's ability to move, nor can they physically assault an individual
3. Advocates and protesters that persist in disrupting a committee hearing  should be removed from the committee room

These are pretty common sense.  The first parameter maximizes the citizen's ability to express his/her opinion.  The second addresses safety, particularly the issue where a few advocates or protesters step over the line, become physically threatening or abusive (we occasionally encounter this unfortunate situation).  This is unacceptable and dangerous behavior, whether at the Capitol or anywhere else.  The third parameter provides the opportunity for all to express their opinion before a legislative committee and to be heard in an orderly manner.

Any other rules that provide restrictions on free speech at the Capitol are misguided and not needed.  They would not have support from the members of the House.  (In other words, they are not just mostly dead.  They are completely dead.)

In the House chamber (currently being renovated) the Latin words "vox populi" are painted on the wall above the Speaker's chair.  "Voice of the People" is more than just a motto; it's the goal for each members of the Utah House of Representatives.  The best way to achieve that goal is to ensure that the voice of the people can be heard, throughout our communities and especially at the Capitol!

Comments

[Michelle Miller]

Then why do you close your caucus doors John? Open them permanently and I will be impressed.