"The ANSWER Coalition, the NCAA is not only disappointed with the ruling," Becker said, "but we condemn the city for presenting to the court a completely false brief and making in court false representations, which on the face contradict themselves."
Lawyers for New York City have said that the rally could destroy the Great Lawn, which was restored in 1997 at a cost of over $18 million, as rally organizers did not give them a contingency date in the event of rain and did not guarantee them a limit of 80,000 people would not be exceeded.
The two plaintiffs argued the city's decision to refuse them a permit was a violation of their right to free speech and said tens of thousands of people gather on the lawn several times a year for musical concerts.
The purpose of the rally, scheduled for the 41st anniversary of the 1963 civil rights march on Washington led by Martin Luther King Jr., is to affirm "the civil rights of Arab-Americans and Muslims, targeted communities, that have been under assault by the Bush-Ashcroft Justice Department, with particular vengeance since September 11, 2001," Becker said.
"We are offended that they are offering us a location outside of Manhattan, as if we are being made to ride at the back of the buses," Rashmawi said.
CNN article
Lawyers for New York City have said that the rally could destroy the Great Lawn, which was restored in 1997 at a cost of over $18 million, as rally organizers did not give them a contingency date in the event of rain and did not guarantee them a limit of 80,000 people would not be exceeded.
The two plaintiffs argued the city's decision to refuse them a permit was a violation of their right to free speech and said tens of thousands of people gather on the lawn several times a year for musical concerts.
The purpose of the rally, scheduled for the 41st anniversary of the 1963 civil rights march on Washington led by Martin Luther King Jr., is to affirm "the civil rights of Arab-Americans and Muslims, targeted communities, that have been under assault by the Bush-Ashcroft Justice Department, with particular vengeance since September 11, 2001," Becker said.
"We are offended that they are offering us a location outside of Manhattan, as if we are being made to ride at the back of the buses," Rashmawi said.
The judge says he wants to see a back-up plan in case of rain, and a guarantee that the protest will be limited to no more than 80,000 people.
Another antiwar group, United For Peace and Justice, has also sued the city for denying it a permit to protest on the Great Lawn on Aug. 29, the day before the convention begins. UFPJ sought a permit for as many as 250,000 people and will argue in New York State Supreme Court on Tuesday for a permit to hold the rally.
But, like one guy said a while back, why do I need a "permit" to protest?
This is apt to go postal, and I think the Rethugs would like nothing better. Expect undercover agitators and vandals, as well. Like the Miami model.
....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.
Central Park
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