Miami Beach is facing a lawsuit from Jewish protesters who allege that an ordinance passed after a protest during Art Basel in December 2023 violates their First Amendment rights. According to a WSVN report, members of Jewish Voice for Peace claim that Mayor Steven Meiner and city commissioners implemented restrictions which impede their right to protest peacefully.
The contentious ordinance was enacted following a protest by Jewish Voice for Peace, and the lawsuit argues it infringes on their ability protest by ordering demonstrators off public sidewalks and imposing strict time, place, and manner restrictions. “As much as Mayor Meiner and Commissioner Suarez wish to silence our voices they will not succeed,” Jewish Voice for Peace member Donna Nevel told CBS News.
Miami Beach leaders, nonetheless, staunchly defend the ordinance. Mayor Meiner explained that the legislation is there to shield residents from harassment and intimidation. “They are spewing hate and misinformation and detestable comments about Israel and Jews, but you know what? You can do that — that’s our country, free speech — but once you cross the line and intimidate, harass and threaten people, that is not allowed, and that is what this legislation enforces,” Meiner said, according to WSVN…