Florence police create ‘protest free zone’ for businesses ahead of Confederate statue demonstrations

Florence police have announced a plan for demonstrations in the downtown area this weekend, which has seen 14 weeks of protests over the summer around the Lauderdale County courthouse.

“I have determined, in the interest of public safety, to modify the police department’s response to the downtown protests,” Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler said.

The plan calls for protesters against the Confederate monument to remain in the area south of Tennessee Street and west of South Court Street on the courthouse side. Counter-protesters will be restricted to the area south of Tennessee Street and east of South Court Street, on the Long Lewis/Suntrust Building side.

Yelling, chanting and singing will be permitted “if the noise level remains reasonable,” but no sound amplification will be allowed, except for the Courthouse property, or as long as the Lauderdale County Sheriffs office permits it. Streets and sidewalks must remain clear for vehicles and pedestrians.

The three blocks of North Court Street, from Tennessee Street to Tuscaloosa Street, is restricted to restaurant and business patrons, with active protesting allowed in the area.

“The Florence Police Department will have zero tolerance for any protester crossing S. Court St. to the opposing side or protesting on N. Court St.,” the directive reads. Tyler told AL.com that did not mean that protesters or counter protesters can’t be on N. Court St.  

“I am saying there will be a zero tolerance for criminal offenses that occur in this area,” he said.

Tyler said the plan was formulated with guidelines provided by the American Civil Liberties Union in mind.

“This plan is very reasonable,” Tyler said. “It is not a capricious reaction, rather it reflects an awareness of the concerns of the ACLU about infringement on First Amendment rights and it is consistent with their guidance. It affords everyone the opportunity and appropriate space to express their First Amendment rights while also protecting downtown patrons, not involved in the protests, from being caught up in any altercations.”

Rebecca Seung-Bickley, communications director for the ACLU of Alabama, said no one from the organization was personally consulted.

“Neither the ACLU of Alabama nor ACLU National was consulted regarding the Florence Police Department’s new protest restrictions,” she said. “They are simply citing our know-your-rights materials on our website, which does not equal agreement or support. Furthermore, we have not seen the location, and so would not be able to say whether these are reasonable time, place, or manner restrictions.”

Tyler said ACLU guidelines say police must treat protesters and counterprotesters equally.

“Therefore, separate and equal space is being provided for any counterprotesters,” he said. “We will be present to maintain order and ensure there are no problems and that the counterprotesters do not unlawfully disrupt this weekend’s events.”

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