Nashville mayor proposes ordinance to combat recent protests

(The Center Square) – Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell announced a series of proposed ordinances, including protest buffer zones around public building and parking lots, in order to combat recent protests in the city.

Protesters interrupted the council’s July meeting after reportedly “espousing various forms of hatred filmed, chanted, displayed offensive signage and clothing,” according to Nashville Banner.

The proposals include a prohibition on placing distracting signs over a highway, prohibition of distributing handbills on private property before or after sunset and changes to the city mask-wearing ordinance.

No clarity was given by O’Connell’s staff on what those mask-wearing changes will be.

“Political tensions are high, and this legislation will help us discourage behavior that can spark violence,” O’Connell said in a statement. “When political violence prevents government functions or creates public safety issues, we must have the tools in our toolkit to respond effectively.”

The ordinance will also include creating buffer zones create buffer zones around public buildings and parking lots “to maintain public safety.”