Mayor to grant all G-20 protest permits; seeks mask ban
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Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today introduced six G-20-related bills to Pittsburgh City Council, including prohibitions on masks and obstruction equipment that could be used by protesters.
The mayor said masks and the use of some devices including PVC pipe would be legal for most users citywide and the prohibitions would only be enforced if masks and devices were used in commission of a crime.
"This is to protect peaceful protesters from a few bad apples," Mr. Ravenstahl said.
The mayor also announced the city will be granting permits to protest groups citywide. That includes areas that had been proposed in Point State Park, the North Side, the Strip District, the South Side and a march to Downtown from Oakland.
The main catch is that protesters would not be able to camp overnight. The sites would have to be cleared by 11 each night in accordance with city park rules.
The bills are expected to be formally introduced on Monday, with public discussion later in the week.
First Published August 21, 2009 11:54 am
