Arrests Continue Over Singers’ Refusal to Obtain Permit
Left, the “Solidarity Singers” continue to protest sans permit. (Contributed photo)
By Patrick Lynn
Capitol Police continue to cite singing protesters in Madison as the “Solidarity Singers” continue to defy a state policy to obtain a permit.
Police issued 30 citations Tuesday.
Over 100 citations have been issues in the past week. Singers have been gathering in the Capitol for almost two years to object to the governor’s policies, including Act 10. Those protests had dwindled in popularity but began to swell again after a recent ruling which requires permits for groups of more than 20 to gather and protest in public.
That’s a reworking of an earlier proposal by the Walker Administration, which had originally required a permit for gatherings of four or more people.
Gov. Scott Walker said the permits aren’t an unreasonable request, adding the requirement was necessary to ensure public safety.
“It’s mainly done so that in light of what happened a couple years ago, if there are larger groups, to ensure everyone’s safety and movement,” Walker said in an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio. “It’s a fairly realistic measure, and I think they’re trying to make this into something that it’s not.”
A permitted event was held Monday outside the Capitol building, with over 100 Walker supporters in attendance, singing and lampooning Solidarity Singers. No arrests were made.
Participants in the Solidarity Sing-along have repeatedly refused to obtain a permit, saying they have the right to assemble under state and U.S. constitutions.
“All citizens should have the same opportunity to share space in the Capitol,” Department of Administration spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis said Monday. “Today is an example of how the free permit process works.”