BROOKHAVEN, Ga. — Brookhaven city leaders have passed a new ordinance aimed at making it tougher to distribute or display hate speech.
The ordinance makes it a violation of city code to distribute materials during certain hours and to project images onto property without the owner’s permission.
Brookhaven's City Council passed the item unanimously earlier this month.
After it was passed, the ordinance is now receiving pushback, but city councilors aren't backing down.
“We’re not going to tolerate hate speech. I’ve said it before,” said a city council member.
Individuals claiming to be Brookhaven residents spoke via Zoom earlier this week during a public comment portion of the council's meeting - they used antisemitic language and opposed the ordinance.
“The longer we stand by idly and allow you guys to violate our First Amendment rights, the angrier people are going to get. The last we need is people uprising,” said one resident via Zoom.
Other residents in the city have expressed concerns about antisemitic pamphlets, flyers and projected images of hate.
The Restrictions for Overnight Canvassing and Projected Images ordinance is meant to help curb that by restricting the hours of the day in which hard copies can be delivered to properties and, at the same time, banning the projection of images onto property without the owner’s permission.
Some say the move is an overreach.
“Nothing about these flyers have any threats. You guys have no reason to tell people what time of day they can use their First Amendment,” said another resident via Zoom.
It would stop flyers like these with antisemitic writings from being dropped overnight outside homes.
Supporters of the newly adopted ordinance say it’s a move in the right direction.
“We in this city are about what is right. What is good. What is kind. I celebrate the leadership that you bring to this city. I can’t speak for everybody in this room but I would think enough right-minded folks in this community would understand the intent,” said a Brookhaven resident.
Anyone who violates the city’s new rules could be fined $250 fine per day for a violation.
In an emailed statement, Brookhaven city officials say in part:
"Brookhaven denounces the personal, racial, and anti-Semitic remarks made by non-Brookhaven residents during the Nov. 28 City Council meeting and will not elevate hateful rhetoric by participating in an interview on their conduct.”