S.F. restricts China protests for torch relay

The 2008 Olympics will be in Beijing, starting this August 8th, 2008. As part of the ceremonies prior to the opening of the Olympic Games, there is an Olympic torch relay around the world. San Francisco has the distinct honor of being the only city in the United States (let alone North America) where the Olympic torch will travel. However, not everyone will be able to express their first amendment right to free speech:

“Organizations that oppose China’s human-rights record said Tuesday that they’ve been denied demonstration permits at large outdoor gathering areas on April 9, the day of the torch relay. They will instead be forced into certain areas, possibly far from the main torch route. City officials said that the restrictions are necessary to ensure security at the event but that those precautions shouldn’t limit the protesters’ rights to gather, a right guaranteed in the First Amendment. Tens of thousands of protesters are expected, organizers said… Supervisor Chris Daly on Tuesday introduced a resolution that urges the city official who receives the torch for the city – quite possibly the mayor – to state publicly that the torch is “received with alarm and protest at the failure of China to meet its past solemn promises to the international community, including the citizens of San Francisco, to cease the egregious and ongoing human rights abuses in China and occupied Tibet.” Supervisors will vote on that resolution in the coming weeks.”

As much as I think it is an honor for part of the Olympic torch relay to be in San Francisco, San Francisco and the United States shouldn’t limit free speech at request of the repressive Chinese government. There will be Human Rights Torch relay traveling the world and will arrive in San Francisco on April 5. Organizers are planning a rally and a march to the Chinese Consulate in the city. Additionally, another group is organizing the Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay, which is also traveling around the world and will stop in San Francisco’s United Nations Plaza on April 8.