CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Leaders of a coalition of groups planning to protest during next week's Democratic National Convention said they were planning heading to court over what the City of Chicago says they can do outside the United Center. However, they were granted more amenities after talking with Mayor Brandon Johnson.
On Thursday, the members of the Coalition To March on the DNC said the City's letting them protest outside the convention, but they were told they can't use stages or microphones and are denying them other amenities.
On Friday the group announced it's been granted permission to set up a stage and amplifiers for its protest at Union Park.
On Thursday, the group said it would seek a court injunction to overturn the city of Chicago's decision not to allow a stage. The group is still pushing back against the city-approved route for a march near the DNC, saying it's not long enough and not close enough.
25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez said people want to speak about many issues, including the Israel-Hamas War.
“[We’re] asking the City of Chicago to bolster our freedom of speech and allow those voices to be heard. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right,” Sigcho-Lopez said.
The City said restrictions are needed because multiple organizations want to rally or protest during the DNC.
Friday, Mayor Brandon Johnson said protestors will be taken care of.
“As far as staging, microphones and all that is being provided, we’re working out the details around porta potties. I’m going to make sure these individuals have everything that they need to make sure that their voices are heard and their voices are already being heard,” the mayor said.
The coalition is filing an emergency injunction to stop the City from imposing restrictions.
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