Jul 16, 2008 10:05 am US/Mountain
Denver Works To Ban Human Waste From Protesters
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Denver leaders are racing to pass a bill aimed at protecting people from protestors at the Democratic National Convention. The proposal bans demonstrators from having certain items. City leaders call it a "very restrictive," but limited ordinance.
"Someone could literally shutdown the convention if they had the right tools," says Doug Linkhart, the chairman of the City Council's Safety Committee.
Linkhart says the proposed bill came directly from the Mayor's Office. It would make it illegal to carry any tool, object, or instrument that can be used to obstruct roadways, sidewalks, or the entrances of buildings. This includes chains, quick setting cement, padlocks, handcuffs and other locking devices.
"We're simply saying you can't have those in a protest or on site if we can prove you're intending to use them," Linkhart says.
The proposed bill would also make it illegal to possess any noxious substance, such as human waste.
Denver leader's researched events in the past like the World Trade Organization conference in Seattle in 1999 where protestors blocked major intersections and prevented delegates from leaving their hotels.
"All this talk about urine and feces, things like this being included in the ordinance, it's completely ridiculous," Glenn Spagnuolo, spokesperson for Recreate 68 said. Recreate 68 protested in Seattle and plan to have a massive presence at the DNC.
City leaders hope the proposed bill would ensure a more peaceful convention. Linkhart says the police department wanted to also ban gas masks and bullet proof vests, but the council looked into those items as defense items.
Next Wednesday the bill goes to the committee, and then Monday, August 4, the council will open it for public discussion.
Last month Arapahoe County passed an ordinance banning specific weapons. Next Monday the Centennial City Council hopes to pass a similar ordinance.
Additional Resources
• For complete coverage of the planning for the 2008 Democratic convention in Denver, as well as information about how to volunteer and for a list of helpful links, visit the
Denver 2008 DNC Convention Section.
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