Protest Permits Floated Ahead Of 'No Kings' Protest In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — Lacey Township officials are trying to figure out how to balance First Amendment rights with public safety and order ahead of another scheduled protest.

This upcoming Saturday, a "No Kings" protest is set to be held in front of the Lacey Township Municipal Building. But officials said they only learned of it after it was posted on social media. Another recent event was a "prayer at the park" where a resident had rented the park and the township thought it was just a regular party, but it turned out to be a day of gathering.

"I understand that people have the right to demonstrate, to protest, to gather," Business Administrator Veronica Laureigh explained at a recent Township Committee.

She proposed a permit application process where township officials would know in advance who the point of contact was and to have an insurance policy.

It was only a discussion. No ordinance has been drafted and nothing has been officially proposed.

"After the last No Kings rally, we had a tremendous amount of trash to clean up all over the property here, which shouldn't be something that happens," Laureigh said. "And then on top of it, it was about $6,000 in overtime that we spent."

Township Attorney Chris Connors noted that it was a delicate balance between protecting freedom of speech and what the governing body wants.

Connors referenced a recent protest permit fee proposal up in West Caldwell, which was tabled after public outcry. That ordinance would have imposed not only a fee, but would also require applicants to reimburse West Caldwell for “any reasonable and foreseeable expenses,” including police service, setup and cleanup costs. They would also be required to have $2 million in liability insurance and notify the township at least 30 days before the rally. Read more: NJ Town's Plan To Charge People For Protesting Is Off The Table – For Now

The township might be able to consider an application process for use of municipal facilities, Connors said. The fee would need to be reasonable as well, he said.

On the other hand, a previous rally took place on sidewalks and in the parking lot, which are not necessarily considered municipal facilities, Connors explained. Plus, people may gather spontaneously, which can't be regulated.

Police Chief Christopher Kenny weighed in, saying that the No Kings organization is "very well-run." But it's good to know who is involved and how many attendees they anticipate. Having a point of contact is important, he said.

"The more information, the more we can work with them, the better off we are," Kenny said.

Connors noted that an organized group with a permit could protest, and then those without a permit could set their protest up right across the street. Both can do so thanks to the First Amendment.

Officials said they would keep researching and discussing to find a solution that benefits protesters and the township without being too restrictive.