Free Speech?
Rep. Lynn Woolsey [D-CA] gave Cindy Sheehan a ticket for the gallery in the House for the State of the Union speech. Ms. Sheehan was arrested and removed from the Capitol prior to the speech for violating the ban on demonstrating in the Capitol. She was wearing a t-shirt with an anti-war slogan on it.
Well, we certainly can’t tolerate free speech in the House chambers. Lobbying by former members of Congress on the House floor is fine, but citizens wearing t-shirts with words on them in the balcony is illegal.[/maximum sarcasm]
Update: Beverly Young, wife of Rep. C.W. “Bill” Young [R-FL], was ejected some time afterward because she was wearing a “Support the Troops” t-shirt. Young is upset that the rules were applied to his wife.
Glenn Greenwald points out that the latest court ruling on the law specifically exempts t-shirts.
Maybe Ms. Sheehan will let Ms. Young join her lawsuit?
Update 2: Charges against Sheehan to be dropped:
“We screwed up,” a top Capitol Police official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
He said Sheehan didn’t violate any rules or laws.
