The Stunning: Busk against the Bye-laws

galway | miscellaneous | press release

Wednesday September 24, 2003 19:35

by Orla Ni Chomhrai - DFSAA

The Stunning will be on the streets of Galway (Shop Street) on Thursday the 25th at 6:30pm to perform live as part of the campaign against the bye-laws.

The Stunning are adding their voice to those who are opposing the proposed bye-laws in Galway (see http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=60600&PHPSESSID=febe16df33fce851e6a1b6b06e844b0b for the text of these draft proposals). The Parks and Open Spaces Bye-Laws, in their original form, would have placed major restrictions on busking in the city. People would have had to get written permission to perform, and the corporation would have had the right to restrict where they could perform. These Bye-Laws were sent back to committee to be reconsidered after a large protest outside City Hall on Monday the 8th. (See http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=60999&PHPSESSID=febe16df33fce851e6a1b6b06e844b0b). The Litter Pollution Bye-Law, which would ban leafletting except during elections and referendums, will be considered by the council in the coming weeks.

There is a need to keep the pressure up against the corporation as it is very right wing, with only the 2 Labour councillors opposing the bye-laws. The other councillors are supporting them to varying degrees, some very supportive and others wanting changes to parts. Only public pressure will defeat these laws.

The Defend Free Speech, Assembly and Activity campaign will be at the busk tomorrow, where people can get more information on the bye-laws and sign a petition against them. They have also been given permission by The Stunning to have the petition along with an information table at their Gigs in Galway.

See story from local paper
The Stunning to highlight buskers rights
BY KERNAN ANDREWS

http://www.galwayadvertiser.ie/dws/story.tpl?inc=2003/09/18/news/37309.html