Does the State Democrat Party Support a House Rule that Limits Freedom of Speech?

ASK AN ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT:

Does the Arkansas State Democrat Party Support a House Rule that Limits Freedom of Speech?

Little Rock, Ark. – The Republican Party of Arkansas (RPA) announced opposition to a newly adopted Arkansas House of Representatives live streaming policy which infringes upon First Amendment rights, ignores government transparency, and is supported by the Democrat Party of Arkansas (DPA).

“DPA Chairman Will Bond needs to reject the Washington-style politics of his party and call for more transparency from Democrat elected officials,” said RPA Communications Director Katherine Vasilos. “It’s obvious Democrat legislators care more about getting re-elected than preserving freedom of speech rights for the people of Arkansas.”

Fort Smith attorney Brian Meadors, who specializes in First Amendment law, told Talk Business the adopted rule is “absolutely incompatible with the First Amendment.”  Meadors went on to say, “once the information is out there, the government cannot tell you how to use it.”

“What does the Democrat Party of Arkansas have to hide from the people from Arkansas?” asked Vasilos. “From the initial debate on live streaming in January, Democrat officials have adamantly opposed efforts by Republicans to increase public access to the Legislature.”

While Democrat members of the House Management Committee, like Representatives Linda Tyler and Barry Hyde, supported the policy, Republican Rep. Duncan Baird objected, stating, “It seems to me like we’re talking a step backwards.”

“State Democrat Party officials need to put down their DC playbook, and pick up a United States Constitution,” said Vasilos. “The videos collected by the Arkansas House belong to the people of Arkansas, not its politicians.”

Note: “Ask an Arkansas Democrat” is a weekly release from the Republican Party of Arkansas. Our goal is to demonstrate how Arkansas Democrats are aligned with the liberal agenda of the Washington Democrat Machine.

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BACKGROUND RESEARCH:
Democrat Legislators Support The PolicyRep. Barry Hyde, D-North Little Rock: "With editing, a video ‘could be used to beat you up pretty good, and all you’d be left with is after the election’s over, regardless of what the outcome is…'" (John Lyon, “House panel approves policy on live streaming,” Arkansas News Bureau, 4/27/11)

“Hyde also said he was concerned that if a video were misused, legitimate public access could suffer because House members might overreact and vote to do away with live streaming.” (John Lyon, “House panel approves policy on live streaming,” Arkansas News Bureau, 4/27/11)

“The panel adopted the policy with an amendment offered by Rep. Linda Tyler, D-Conway, to require that all requests for House-produced audio and video be reported to the committee. Tyler said that if the materials were used improperly, House members would want to know who obtained them.” (John Lyon, “House panel approves policy on live streaming,” Arkansas News Bureau, 4/27/11)

Republican Rep. Baird Objected To Policy In CommitteeRep. Duncan Baird, R-Lowell: “It seems to me like we’re talking a step backwards. It’s almost as if we’re saying you’re doing something wrong if you request this information.” (John Lyon, “House panel approves policy on live streaming,” Arkansas News Bureau, 4/27/11)

The House Policy Is Unconstitutional Attorney Brian Meadors: “It is absolutely incompatible with the First Amendment. Once the information is out there, the government cannot tell you how to use it. What they forget is that you in the media, and I guess anyone really, you have a Constitutional right to mock these people....And there is no difference if you do that with the notes you take at a hearing or whatever, or what they provide (via the website).” (Roby Brock, et al.,“HOUSE VIDEO, AUDIO POLICY TRIGGERS TRICKY FREE SPEECH QUESTIONS,” Talk Business, 4/29/11)

Democrats Resisted Initial Live Streaming Policy“House Majority Leader Johnnie Roebuck says broadcasting meetings from some committees but not others could give Arkansans a skewed perspective of how things work in the House. Other lawmakers, including House Minority Leader John Burris, say live-streaming the meetings could lead to more transparency.” (Associated Press, “Ark. House committees consider airing meetings,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1/16/11)

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