Today was the mandatory public hearing on the proposed new rules put forward by the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
"The rule order amends Chapter Adm. 2, relating to use of state buildings and facilities. The objective of the rule is to obtain compliance regarding use of state facilities including the Capitol building. This objective will be achieved by codifying historical department practices and more clearly detailing certain provisions of the administrative code as informed by judicial interpretations." (You can read the new rules here).
You'll remember the old rules. Those are the ones that were put into place unilaterally to suppress freedom of assembly and freedom of expression (guaranteed by our state constitution) in Wisconsin's State Capitol (in other words, to quash the Solidarity Sing Along).
The old rules were just found to be unconstitutional: singers were arrested for singing, for holding 8.5 x 11" printed signs, for wearing slogans on their clothes, for gathering in groups larger than 4 without a permit, and when that proved untenable, for gathering in groups of 20 or more without a permit. Singers were issued citations at their homes and workplaces, sometimes days after the supposed "infraction."
Dive below Scott Walker's Secret Router for proof that Wisconsin's stalwart protestors continue to be the funniest and most creative. It's three years and counting, folks!
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