© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL · 90.5 WUOL-FM · 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

Judge Hears Occupy Louisville Arguments This Week

As Occupy Louisville representatives argue their case to remain in Founder’s Square overnight this Friday, the city says it will wait until after the hearing before taking any action regarding the group's protest.Occupy Louisville’s permit for Founder’s Square has expired. Demonstrators have spent the night in Founder’s Square at 5th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard since November. The city said it will reissue another permit, but it will not allow overnight camping.Demonstrators said this won’t fly and that restricting their tents is a violation of their First Amendment rights because occupying the space overnight is paramount to their demonstration.Last week Circuit Court Judge Irv Maze agreed to hear the case. Demonstrators are now expected to argue how keeping the tents up day and night is a part of their expression of free speech. Some supporters on a Facebook event page have agreed to attend the hearing.The city previously told WFPL that it doesn’t plan on taking action against demonstrators until after Friday’s hearing, but did not say what might happen next.It’s unclear whether the city would try to forcefully remove tents if the legal system cannot protect demonstrators. City officials said they have been accommodating, but it’s time others had the chance to use the park.