by TChris

It's strange to think that citizens need to ask their government for permission to exercise their constitutional rights, but New York City insists that demonstrators obtain a permit before they protest the Republican National Convention. Problem is, New York hasn't issued any permits.

Leslie Cagan of protest group United for Peace and Justice said the group applied for a permit more than a year ago but has not yet been granted permission. The city "has yet to do anything in terms of issuing permits guaranteeing not only that we are able to protest but, more importantly, that we are able to exercise our constitutionally protected right to assemble, to march, to rally, to make our voices heard," Cagan said.

Tuesday was the deadline to apply for a "protest permit." About 15 groups have applied for permits, but none have been granted. The New York Civil Liberties Union plans to take New York to court if the permits aren't issued.