Crystal City Council Approves Ban on Picketing at Residential Homes
The Crystal City Council gave final approval Tuesday to an ordinance change that bans picketing targeting residential homes.
According to Troy Gilchrist, attorney representing the city of Crystal, the main purpose of the ordinance is to protect residential privacy, not just for the homeowner targeted, but for that person’s neighbors.
The final vote was 4-2, with council members David Cummings and John Budziszewski voting against the change. You can see the June 1 meeting discussion here.
“It’s important for us to take care of that neighbor, to take care all of our neighbors,” said Crystal Mayor Jim Adams, in approving the change.
The ordinance makes residential picketing a misdemeanor crime. Such an ordinance has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court and the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Other cities that have already adopted it include Vadnais Heights, Lino Lakes, Shoreview and Spring Lake Park.
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