Augusta will keep its old protest ordinances on the books, at least for now, after two failed votes by city commissioners Tuesday to change local laws governing public protest and demonstration.
The request to change the city ordinance comes less than three months before the annual Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, where Martha Burk, of the National Council of Women's Organizations, and Jesse Jackson's Rainbow/Push Coalition have promised to show up in force to oppose the club's men-only membership.
"This is an issue that goes beyond the case of Hootie and Martha," Commissioner Willie Mays said. "This is a case of everybody's rights."
"Maybe we ought to be pro-active, but the timing of this one - you're just inviting everyone to a party that doesn't even have to start," he said.
Existing city law requires that protesters secure a permit from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office before picketing on public property.
The amended law still would require a permit from the sheriff but inserts time elements into the process of obtaining one. It also provides an opportunity to appeal denial of a permit through a judicial review.
If a permit is denied under the existing ordinance, the only recourse is to file a lawsuit against the city.
The 10-member commission split its vote along racial lines, voting 5-5 on two opposing motions: one that would have made the amendments and one that wouldn't. The lack of any action means the ordinance will stand as is, although it could resurface at next month's meeting.
The five white commissioners said they could support the proposed amendments, but black officials - citing poor timing and the national publicity the ordinance changes have attracted - said the local law should be left alone.
Some black commissioners pointed to their own participation in peaceful protests during the civil rights movement as proof of the existing ordinance's effectiveness.
"I'm against Jesse Jackson coming to Augusta. I'm against Martha Burk, but they have a right to freedom of speech," said Commissioner Bobby Hankerson, who voted against amending the law.
Mayor Bob Young, who could have broken the tie, was in Washington for a national mayor's conference. He said in a telephone interview he didn't know how he would have voted.
If the protest laws have been good enough up until now, commissioners said, they should continue to serve their purpose.
"Even if they have to line up on the Burke County line, the cameras are going to be there. It's just going to bring even more attention," Mr. Hankerson said.
"I'm against Jesse Jackson coming to Augusta. I'm against Martha Burk, but they have a right to freedom of speech." - Commissioner Bobby Hankerson, who voted against amending the law
Reach Heidi Coryell Williams at (706) 823-3215 or heidi.williams@augustachronicle.com.
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