this post was submitted on 12 Jun 2026
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A city council in the U.S. does not have to allow a general public comment time. Perhaps there are some states where it is required.
They can also allow public comment only as part of a hearing on a specific matter. Most states require this.
HOWEVER, if they allow an open public comment they cannot censor it.
There are definitely states where it's required. Washington is one, for example. I was too lazy to research more.
But anyway, the details matter. One can easily have public comment but still limit the undesirable speech, as this specific example shows... Is that legal? Depends if you have a good lawyer.
Seems like an opportunity for malicious compliance …. Perhaps everyone can speak up against stifling public input “on matters like F*ck cameras”
I have experience in this. The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled on it. If it’s open comment time, they cannot censor except for obscene or threatening speech. All they can do is set a time limit. Don’t cuss or make violent threats and you’re good. If they censor you it’s an open and shut civil rights case.
If it’s a public hearing for a specific matter, they can restrict comment to that topic.
Wow how backwoodish xd