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Sandy Springs reviews proposed buffer-zone ordinance tied to leafleting, protests
Summary
City staff introduced a proposed ordinance that would criminalize knowingly approaching someone within eight feet near certain institutions and public building entrances; councilmembers raised First Amendment and process concerns during a work session.
Sandy Springs city officials reviewed a draft ordinance at a Jan. 7 work session that would make it a misdemeanor to knowingly approach another person within eight feet to hand them a leaflet, display a sign or engage in oral protest within a 50-foot radius of an entrance to schools, places of worship or along certain public rights-of-way.
The proposal, presented by Police Chief Ken DeSimone and drafted in part from language the Anti-Defamation League provided, is aimed at curbing the distribution of hate literature and reducing harassment near sensitive institutions while giving officers clearer grounds to act.
Chief DeSimone told the council the ordinance was drafted to…
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