Haas, citing First Amendment, says no to Rebel flag ban
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
PORTSMOUTH- A discussion item in the past two Portsmouth City Managers sessions seems like it will remain in that status following a response from City Solicitor John Haas.
Haas received an inquiry from 2nd Ward Councilwoman Charlotte Gordon during the Nov. 23 meeting regarding the presence of Confederate flags on city property, more specifically on the city-owned campgrounds by the riverfront.
He said then that he would need time to review the legal merits of prohibiting the symbol, which would’ve been made part of the city’s policy for campers, but sensed there would be First Amendment implications.
Competing visions of Rebel flag shared at City Managers
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
Gerald Cadogan of the Portsmouth Unity Project feels that its Band Together mural s message, pictured here off of Market Street, is challenged by the Confederate flag s presence on city property. Photo by Patrick Keck
PORTSMOUTH Earlier this week, conversation surrounding confederate flags during a prior Portsmouth City Managers’ session caught the attention of a national organization dedicated to its descendants and proponents of its history.
John Anson, Ohio Division Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, addressed the matter of banning its presence on city properties in a letter sent to City Clerk Diana Ratliff where he urged no action to be taken.