Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War

For Immediate Release: January 2, 2008

Activists unveil a new strategy for obtaining permits to march on the RNC

On Wednesday January 2, the Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War will hold a press conference at 11:00 am at the state capitol and march to the Xcel Energy Center. This is part of a new strategy for obtaining permits for a large anti-war march on September 1, 2008 during the Republican National Convention. Speakers will include activists and attorneys from the National Lawyers Guild and or American Civil Liberties Union.

The Coalition, which includes all of the major peace and justice groups in the Twin Cities, applied over a year ago for a permit to rally and march on the first day of the RNC. So far, city officials have refused to consider the application until 6 months before the event, citing a St. Paul ordinance that sets timelines for permit approval. The same ordinance states that a permit for “a recurring event at the same time and place” could be granted within 30 days.

In December, the Coalition applied for a permit to march from the capitol to the Xcel Center on January 2, that will be repeated on March 1, May 1, July 1, and September 1. Assistant Police Chief Matt Bostrom approved a permit for January 2, but said the city is “at this time unable to grant or deny a recurring permit for the other dates.”

“So far we have not been able to get a commitment from the city ensuring that permits will be granted in a timely manner,” said Coalition member Marie Braun. “Permits are crucial for our ability to organize a national anti-war demonstration that will draw tens of thousands. When we contact peace and justice groups from around the country, they always ask if we will have a permit. Obtaining a permit early in the process is necessary when planning a demonstration of this magnitude. Would the Republicans agree to wait until six months prior to the RNC to begin logistical planning for their convention? They were assured ample time and space for their activities months ago. The Coalition should be granted the same assurances relative to our rally and march, and be guaranteed that our right to speak out against the war will be upheld.”