Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
If any complex of buildings in Utah ought to represent the pinnacle of free speech, it is Capitol Hill. It is why every citizen ought to be concerned about a new set of rules being considered by the Capitol Preservation Board that would restrict certain forms of free speech at the seat of state government.
Granted, some rules may be needed to maintain order and preserve decorum. And the crowded conditions along with safety concerns resulting from ongoing renovation of the Capitol may justify the imposition of temporary rules about who goes where and when. Whatever rules are adopted, though, should be fair and non-discriminatory. They should apply to everyone.
KSL is especially concerned that common citizens desirous of interacting with their elected representatives will have less access to lawmakers than the growing army of lobbyists who flood Capitol Hill each legislative session. The proposed rules would unduly insulate lawmakers from divergent views, especially those espoused by common citizens.
In KSL's view, whatever rules are adopted should be geared more toward encouraging free speech than restricting it. And those rules should send the message that the views of the general public are as important in the legislative process as those of skilled lobbyists.
