ACLU enters protest fray

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

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Police have been a constant presence at BayWalk.

The American Civil Liberties Union has entered the fray on behalf of six protestors arrested outside BayWalk Saturday night.

The ALCU has come to the defense of an anti-war organization, St. Pete for Peace, which was founded in 2003 to protest the war in Iraq. The group has been protesting at BayWalk for several Saturday nights.

For the last few weeks, St. Petersburg has set up a barrier in BayWalk, dividing protestors from visitors. The city says the barrier allows visitors to cross the road safely.

"This is just our attempt to make sure that everyone who goes to BayWalk can go there safely," said St. Petersburg Police Department Spokesman Bill Proffitt.

Protestors say the barrier is the city's way of trying to take away their right to free speech. They say they will continue their Saturday night protests and are also considering their legal options.

St. Pete for Peace also says they want to work out a compromise with the city so they can continue their protests while BayWalk visitors can continue to enjoy the entertainment complex.