Norton Applauds NPS Scrapping of Proposed Regulation Limiting Free Speech

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today applauded the National Park Service (NPS) decision to withdraw a proposal to revise protest and special event permitting regulations in the District of Columbia, which would have significantly limited free speech and the ability to protest. In a statement, NPS said they had received over 140,000 comments from the public and stakeholders. As a former law professor, Norton expressed serious concerns on NPS's plan, which she argued could restrict free expression.

"Raising barriers for citizens to protest and let their voice be heard is wrong," Norton said. "I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands of citizens and groups who submitted public comments and thank NPS for this decision, which will strengthen our democracy and free expression."