Free speech concerns raised as Texas town considers fees for protests

Oct. 13 (UPI) — The city of Conroe, Texas, has tabled its plan to create a rule that would require protesters to apply for a permit and pay a fee for gatherings of more than 25 people.

The city council of Conroe, about 45 minutes north of Houston, had been discussing the idea after the last No Kings protest in the city. Police Chief Jon Buckholtz told the city that he was concerned about safety issues with protesters along a highway and the costs to law enforcement, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The city pushed back its decision but it wouldn’t have affected this weekend’s protests. The next No Kings protest is scheduled for Saturday in cities all throughout the United States.

“I have had many concerns as we have had to have an increased presence protest over and over, we have [them] scheduled almost every weekend,” the Chronicle reported Buckholtz said. “It’s costing us a lot of money for us to prevent harm to protesters because they are standing next to a highway.”

Residents have spoken out against the plan, citing the First Amendment.

“We have the right to protest our grievances as long as it’s peaceful,” said Vicki Scott to KPRC2 in Houston. She said she believes the ordinance is retaliation for recent protests. “That is a direct assault and violation on our First Amendment rights.”

The ordinance proposed a $500 fee for the permit and proof of commercial general liability insurance not less than $500,000 per occurrence.

“I think if you’re paying for free speech, it’s not free,” Laurie McSpadden, a Conroe resident, told ABC13.

“I am very concerned about someone jumping a curb on accident or on purpose along a state highway and us having many people injured or killed,” Buckholtz said. “I have to go out of my way to protect each and every person.”

Conroe Mayor Duke Coon said he supports an ordinance and added that other cities charge fees for gatherings.

“Let’s find some common ground,” the Chronicle reported Coon said. “Let’s find a document that keeps everybody safe.”

Houston has an ordinance for permits for parades and outdoor music, KPRC2 reported. The city of nearby Sugar Land requires permits for use of city property or services. Pearland requires permits for 1,500 people or more.