Should Chicago Ban Guns At Protests?

CHICAGO, IL — A new ordinance was proposed by the Chicago City Council last week that would ban guns, knives and other weapons at public gatherings, such as protests, marches and other demonstrations. The measure is a reaction to the violence that erupted during August's Unite the Right event in Charlottesville, Virginia. If passed, it would be similar to how Boston outlawed weapons at a recent free speech rally.

Under the ordinance, which was introduced by Ald. Edward Burke (14th Ward) and Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30th Ward) at Wednesday's council meeting, Chicago police would be allowed to restrict what people attending large assemblies could bring with them to these events. The propsal cites the city's ability to "ban loudspeakers in a residential neighborhood at night" or refusal "to permit a demonstration that will unduly block traffic during rush hour" as precedents for prohibiting weapons at rallies and other assemblies.

Outlawed weapons would include firearms, knives, shields, batons and clubs. The ban also would be wide-ranging enough to encompass commonplace items, such as bats, chains and fireworks, as well as "any other rod-like instrument" and "sharp objects," according to the ordinance. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or your neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

"[W]e have already seen violence, even death, at these rallies, but the potential is far worse if participants continue to carry guns and other weapons into such confrontational situations," the ordinance states.

Anyone violating the ban could be fined between $500 to $1,000. They also could be jailed for up to 10 days, according to the ordinance.

Illinois law allows gun owners with a concealed carry license to carry their firearms in public areas. Exceptions apply, such as schools, hospitals, playgrounds, government buildings and sports stadiums. But the presence of guns at public rallies and demonstrations can create an intimidation factor and potential safety risks.

"[A]llowing the display of firearms during these types of demonstrations puts the dedicated men and women of the local police departments at a disadvantage and hinders their ability to protect rally attendees and the general public," the ordinance states.

At the event in Charlottesville, neo-Nazi participants carried guns and recited anti-Semitic chants as they marched past a synagogue. In light of that instance and others like it, Alan Gottlieb, the founder and executive vice president for the Second Amendment Foundation, told the Washington Times last month that his gun advocacy group could no longer support carrying firearms at rallies.

"We are not a fan of armed protests and highly discourage that," he said. "Firearms serve a purpose, and the purpose is not a mouthpiece. It’s to defend yourself. If you are carrying it to make a political point, we are not going to support that."

YOUR TURN: Should Chicago ban guns and other weapons from public rallies? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section. Plus, take Patch's poll on the topic.

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