WASHINGTON LEGAL FOUNDATION NEWS
1612 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 502, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006
WASHINGTON LEGAL FOUNDATION SEEKS TO EVICT
CAMPERS IN LAFAYETTE PARK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1982
WASHINGTON LEGAL FOUNDATION SEEKS TO EVICT
CAMPERS IN LAFAYETTE PARK
WASHINGTON D.C. .... The Washington Legal Foundation, a public interest law group with 80,000 members nationwide filed a complaint today with the National Park Service seeking the eviction of a group which is camping in 16 tents in Lafayette Park, directly across from the White House. In its canplaint, WLF charged that the campers have violated the terms of their permit by erecting more tents and signs than allowed, as we11 as violating other Park rules such as destroying the grass and grounds, and otherwise have turned Lafayette Park into a "public eyesore."
At the same time, WLF petitioned the Secretary of the Interior to issue rules which would stop all camping and sleeping in non-designated areas, prohibit demonstrations in Lafayette Park during the noon hours, limit the total area in Lafayette Park to 10 feet by 15 feet that could be used for any temporary structures, and ban altogether the erection of shelters, tents, etc. within 300 yards of the White House for security reasons.
Finally, WLF filed today with the Park Service an application on behalf of WLF members, all workers in the area, and all visitors from across the country for its own permit to use Lafayette Park daily between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., pending the promulgation of its proposed changes. In its application, WLF stated that the purpose of their use of Lafayette Park is "to demonstrate the peaceful uses of the Park without any signs or structures, to stroll through the park, sit on park benches, play chess in the area provided, read books, newspapers, magazines, discuss political, economic and social issues, and otherwise enjoy the park without being visually, aurally, or physically assaulted by protestors, their signs, and temporary structures. To the extent that there may be any one particular protest, it will be to protest the ACLU which, under the guise of the First Amendment is destroying our National Parks and park values."
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul D. Kamenar (202) 857-0240
Ellen Thomas
PEACE PARK ANTINUCLEAR VIGIL
PO Box 27217, Washington, DC 20038 USA
202-462-0757
prop1@prop1.org