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Nags Head raises demonstration permit threshold to 30 after debate on free speech and safety
Summary
After public comment and legal review, the Nags Head board voted to raise the threshold for group demonstration permits from 15 to 30 attendees. The town attorney said the ordinance meets constitutional requirements; the police chief cautioned about staffing for larger spontaneous events.
The Town of Nags Head Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 4 to change the threshold requiring a demonstration permit from 15 to 30 attendees, after public comment and an extended discussion among commissioners, staff and the town attorney.
Resident Randy Cartwright had asked the board to review the ordinance that requires a permit for processions, picketing or demonstrations of 15 or more, arguing that criminalizing participation in an unpermitted demonstration could raise First Amendment concerns. “A political demonstration by its nature cannot predict how many people will attend,” Cartwright said, and he requested written legal analysis…
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