On Thursday, January 12, 2012, the City of Chicago approved the 1st parade permit for the NATO/G8 summits to the Coalition Against the NATO/G8 War and Poverty Agenda (“CANG8”). This approval shows the city of Chicago is supporting the protesters’ First Amendment right to protest. Along with approving the permit, the Chicago City Council is dropping the increase in the maximum fine for a parade violation, eliminating the requirement for a parade marshal for every 100 participants, and are leaving the time of a parade at 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Chicago City Officials have said that they will also approve 2 other requests for permits. These permits are for a rally for CANG8 and an event planned by the National Nurses United.
For the full story from the Associated Press, please click here.