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Hagerstown Ponders Permits For Abortion Protesters

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Aug 20, 2008 10:30 am US/Eastern

Hagerstown Ponders Permits For Abortion Protesters

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) ― The Hagerstown City Council discussed requiring permits before anti-abortion protesters are allowing to demonstrate downtown.

Council members discussed an abortion protest in July on West Washington Street. Some demonstrators held signs that depict aborted fetuses.

Councilwoman Kelly S. Cromer says some of the protest took place during lunchtime. Some restaurateurs complained that the graphic signs drove business away.

Cromer thinks the council can limit the time and place of demonstrations.

City Attorney Mark Boyer says demonstrators on public property have First Amendment protection. But he says he will research whether protesters could be required to obtain a permit under certain circumstances.

Boyer also says he will check with the Maryland Municipal League to see if other cities have dealt with similar situations.

(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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