A Superior Court Judge ruled that free speech restrictions imposed on organizers of the annual “Boston Freedom Rally” by city officials are unconstitutional.
William Downing, President of the NORML’s Massachusetts state affiliate, praised the judge’s decision to strike down the gag order. “The judge’s decision restores freedom of expression and assembly on the Boston Common.”
Earlier this year, city officials reluctantly granted the organization permission to hold the event, but included a requirement that all speakers and performers discourage marijuana smoking and announce that police would enforce all state drug laws.
This week, Judge Carol Ball determined that the city’s stipulations for the speakers were “constitutionally impermissible,” and also enjoined the city from enforcing many of the permit’s other requirements.
In past years, the “Freedom Rally” has drawn crowds approaching 100,000 people, making it the largest marijuana-reform event in the nation. This year’s event will take place on October 3 at the Boston Commons.
For more information, please contact either Bill Downing of Mass Cann NORML @ (781) 944-2266 or Allen St. Pierre of The NORML Foundation @ (202) 483-8751.