Few changes to free-speech laws

Besides making the slight alteration to the disturbing-the-peace ordinance, Rutan examined seven other city ordinances — those governing stalking, causing a riot, disrupting a meeting, public nuisance, obstructing the sidewalk, loitering and standing, lying or sitting on streets and highways — to determine whether they are "up to date constitutionally and whether they are providing the police with the authority to respond to particular situation as they arise," according to a memo Rutan penned to Deputy Mayor Rocky Fluhart.

Rutan recommended no changes to those other seven ordinances.

The LDS Church probably wanted more. Back in December, LDS Church attorney Von Keetch penned a letter to Rutan suggesting that the city craft laws to separate opposing demonstrators, keep demonstrators from getting too close to conference-goers, craft a stricter noise ordinance and require permits for all demonstrations and protests — even spontaneous ones — especially those near the Conference Center.

"When a major conference is in session — be it LDS general conference or other gatherings — no demonstrations should be allowed in the immediate vicinity without a permit from the city," Keetch wrote. "This will allow the city to establish appropriate buffer or demonstration zones based on the demonstrations that will occur and the requirements of public safety and order."

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