PORTLAND — The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine has come out in support of Occupy Maine’s position, urging the city of Portland on Tuesday to let the protestors remain in Lincoln Park.

The Portland City Council is expected to vote Wednesday night on whether to approve Occupy Maine’s request for a permit that would allow them to continue camping out in the city-owned park.

Wednesday’s meeting is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. in Portland City Hall.

“There is nothing more important for our democracy than freedom of expression,” Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the ACLU of Maine, said in a prepared statement released today. “We urge the city of Portland to set a positive example for cities across the country by allowing this demonstration to continue without disruption.”

In its letter to the City Council, the ACLU notes that one of the city’s objections to the group is that their camp is an eyesore. The ACLU says that given the group’s message about the growing gap in wealth and political power, the ACLU believes it is appropriate that the demonstration cause some discomfort.

Zachary Heiden, the ACLU’s Legal Director, plans to attend the council meeting.

“The First Amendment sets the floor, and not the ceiling, for free speech activity,” Heiden said. “Portland can and should find a way to accomodate this group that respects their right to speak out on important matters of public concern.”


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