18 Arrested in Wisconsin Assembly for Using Cameras; Guns Still Allowed

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Eighteen people were arrested Tuesday for using cameras in the Wisconsin Assembly gallery, including the editor of The Progressive magazine, Matt Rothschild.

Rothschild and others had gone to the capitol to protest a series of arrests in recent weeks of individuals who carried signs or took photos or video in defiance of an Assembly ban.

"We ought to have a right to take a picture," Rothschild said.

Guns, Yes. Cameras, No. The protest was organized through a Facebook event called "Concealed Camera Day at the Capitol!" The event coincided with the implementation of Wisconsin's new concealed carry law, which allows residents to carry a concealed firearm -- including inside the Assembly gallery.

Stephen Colbert said Governor Walker was bringing "a new freedom to America's dairyland" with the concealed carry law, but said people would not see "images of gunfire in the statehouse" because of the camera ban. "Thank God. Cameras are dangerous," he said.

On the agenda in Tuesday's session was a bill to institute the Castle Doctrine, a "shoot first, ask questions later" bill that gives a person immunity from civil and criminal liability if they shoot another in self defense in their home, work, or vehicle. The American Legislative Exchange Council also has a model Castle Doctrine bill -- see the side-by-side here.

Event organizers were clear that the protests were not about the gun laws, but instead about protecting First Amendment rights.

But is it Legal? The Open Meetings law includes this provision (§19.90):

"Use of equipment in open session. Whenever a governmental body holds a meeting in open session, the body shall make a reasonable effort to accommodate any person desiring to record, film or photograph the meeting. This section does not permit recording, filming or photographing such a meeting in a manner that interferes with the conduct of the meeting or the rights of the participants."

The statute also contains this provision (§ 19.87(2)):

"No provision of this subchapter which conflicts with a rule of the senate or assembly or joint rule of the legislature shall apply to a meeting conducted in compliance with such rule."

The legal issue here appears similar to the one that arose in the challenge to Governor Walker's collective bargaining law. In that case, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne alleged that the union-busting law should be struck down because it was passed in violation of another provision of the Open Meetings law requiring notice. In part, Ozanne's challenge failed because the legislature had passed a rule that trumped the Open Meetings law.

Likewise, here the Assembly had a rule banning cameras and video, but under the court's ruling in the Ozanne suit, that rule trumped the Open Meetings law permitting their use.

Despite this, both the Wisconsin and U.S. Constitutions have provisions protecting the right to free speech, free assembly, and a free press. "The gallery is a free speech area," says attorney Jim Mueller, who was ticketed in October for violating the Assembly rule. "Even if there are rules against signs, they're unconstitutional. It is our right to peaceably assemble and petition the government."

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/11/03-3

[slim 1,525]

It sounds like their right to take pictures or make statements is not being violated - only that their equipment is being banned.

[^_^ 5,021]

It sounds like their right to take pictures or make statements is not being violated - only that their equipment is being banned.

They can take pictures with their guns instead.

[slim 1,525]

They can take pictures with their guns instead.

I take a mental snapshot every time I shoot. You have to call your shots.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

It sounds like their right to take pictures or make statements is not being violated - only that their equipment is being banned.

So if your gun is taken away, your second amendment rights are not violated?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Now that the crime rate in WI is about to drop, I guess the police need to start arresting people for something else just to keep their jobs.

Used to be each time that a state passed a concealed carry law that the media would be spouting all sorts of trash about how the crime rate will soar, blood will run in the streets, people will kill each other at the gas station...yada, yada, yada.

With WI being the 49th state to do this and ALL states that impelmented concealed carry experiencing a drop in crime, it begs the question...

Why does Illinois still insist on inflicting high crime on its residents? When are Illionoius residents going to be able to have a lower crime rate like ALL other states?

[Ban Hammer 13,349]

i guess someone thinks they can defend themself with a camera.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

So if your gun is taken away, your second amendment rights are not violated?

States routinely do not allow people to carry guns in state buildings. Are you supporting my right to do so?

Every state law allowing concealed carry also allows property OWNERS to forbid the carrying of concealed weapons on their property.

i guess someone thinks they can defend themself with a camera.

Didn't work for Anthony Weiner

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

States routinely do not allow people to carry guns in state buildings. Are you supporting my right to do so?

Every state law allowing concealed carry also allows property OWNERS to forbid the carrying of concealed weapons on their property.

Didn't work for Anthony Weiner

In this case photos are allowed in the buildings per the OP. The effect is legal, the cause is illegal so to speak.

Edited November 4, 2011 by Sousuke

[spookyturtle 9,466]

When are Illionoius residents going to be able to have a lower crime rate like ALL other states?

When they get rid of Chicago.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

In this case photos are allowed in the buildings per the OP. The effect is legal, the cause is illegal so to speak.

I support ALL our rights. If their first amendment rights have been violated then the government should be held accountable