"[Columbus Day] protester and CU-Boulder professor Ward Churchill told the gathering that the First Amendment doesn't protect hate speech, citing a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows states to ban cross burnings. But burning a cross with the intent to intimidate or instill fear is a far cry from Italian-Americans marching and dancing the tarantella to honor an explorer they consider a hero.

The First Amendment is intended to protect unpopular and offensive ideas and expression. If free speech is to have any meaning, the rights of the Columbus Day parade organizers must be respected - along with the protesters' rights to peacefully protest.

The issue involves more than the Sons of Italy-New Generation's rights - it involves any group with a lawful parade permit. There oughta be a law to protect lawful assembly in Denver - and the city council should lose no time in writing one."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Denver, there oughta be a law (The Denver Post 1/26)

Relevant Links:
Transform Columbus Day - http://www.transformcolumbusday.org

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