The Town Board of Campbell, Wisconsin passes an ordinance prohibiting not-only-freedom of speech protests, but even display of the US flag on the overpasses within their jurisdiction.
This may be the most restrictive law in the nation for protests on overpasses. It was motivated by recent impeach Obama protests on an overpass in La Crosse, a part of Campbell.
ORDINANCE NO. 9.11 – 2013
An Ordinance to Create Section 9.11 of the Town of Campbell Code of OrdinancesSection 9.11 TRAFFIC SAFETY SIGN CONTROL ORDINANCE
Signs on Bridges and Overpasses.No person shall display, place, erect, post, maintain, install, affix, or carry any sign, flags, banners, pennants, streamers, balloons or any other similar item:
(1) on any portion of a vehicular or pedestrian bridge or overpass that passes over a freeway or expressway as defined in Wis. STAT. § 346.57, or a controlled access highway as defined in Wis. STAT. § 990.01, when such highway has a speed limit of more than 40 miles per hour, whether the highway is under the jurisdiction of the federal, state or local government, provided that such sign is visible from such freeway, expressway or controlled access highway. This paragraph shall not apply to “official traffic control devices” as defined in Wis. STAT. § 340.01(3-8), as may be amended, which are authorized by law and erected by the authority having jurisdiction over the highway or right of way, or:
(2) within one hundred (100) feet of any portion of a vehicular or pedestrian bridge or overpass that passes over a freeway or expressway as defined in WIS. STAT. § 346.57, or a controlled access highway as defined in W15. STAT. § 990.0} , when such highway has a speed limit of more than 40 miles per hour, whether the highway is under the jurisdiction of the federal, state or local government, provided that such sign is visible from such freeway, expressway or controlled access highway.
This section shall not apply to “official traffic control devices” as defined in WIS. STAT. § 340.0168), as may be amended, which are authorized by law and erected by the authority having jurisdiction over the highway or right of way.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or restrict the application of WIS. STAT. ch. 86 and any applicable regulations created by the Department of Transportation pursuant to that chapter, or any other federal, state or local law that prohibits or restricts the placement of signs in highways or other right-of-ways.
This is video of the town board passing the law to restrict impeach-Obama protests and free speech.
Scott Johnson, Town Chairman, 781-6840
Jeff Schroeder, Utility District Supervisor, 769-0836
Pat Post Health, Education, and Welfare Supervisor, 781-2197
David LaFond, Streets and Road Supervisor, 783-5107
David Wilder, Park and Rec Supervisor, 781-1676
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