Governor’s Scott’s office was considering yanking “freedom of speech” from a provision that governs the use of state buildings.
This was being considered after an atheist group put up a controversial satanic temple display next to a nativity scene at the Capitol during the Christmas holiday. That same display was attacked and destroyed by an onlooker who said she “had to take it.”The proposed new rule would have changed the existing “free-speech” language in the provision to say “peaceable assembly.”
People who wish to use the Capital will also have to submit a request to do so three days in advance per the Daily Record.
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Other proposed changes would have been taking out the language “any person” and replacing it with “any government entity” in a section that states who could construct “exhibits, posters, signs, displays” in public buildings.
One of Scott’s spokesman, John Tupps said:
The decision was made not to pursue the changes reflected in this particular document.
When asked why it was considered in the first place and why the Governor decided to drop the matter, Tupps did not have an answer.
This is not the first time Gov. Scott has limited the use of the Capital. Back in September of 2013, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is overseen by the Governor and a three-member Cabinet, implemented a rule which would limit the use of the Capital complex after large protests in the Capitol that included individuals sitting in Governor Scott’s office 24 hours a day for 31 days.
The new rule limited access to the Capital. Now access is granted only Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 30 minutes following a legislative or executive meeting. Overnight stays for any reason are also banned.