We, the undersigned residents of Cumberland and the surrounding community, respectfully petition the Mayor and City Council to repeal or amend the recently adopted Parade and Event Ordinance.

Why We Oppose This Ordinance

Threat to Free Speech

The First Amendment guarantees the right of the people to assemble and express their views without undue government interference. This ordinance creates multiple obstacles that make exercising that right unnecessarily difficult.

Excessive Fees

While the fees ($25 for “small events” and $150 for “special events”) create a financial burden, they are not the only issue. The ordinance goes far beyond fees and imposes new requirements that make it nearly impossible for many groups to hold events.

Massive Insurance Requirements

The ordinance requires community groups to obtain expensive liability insurance policies — costs that most grassroots groups, nonprofits, and citizen organizers cannot afford. This alone effectively shuts out ordinary residents.

30-Day Advance Requirement

Requiring permits to be filed 30 days in advance silences spontaneous gatherings, vigils, and protests that respond to current events. Free speech must be timely to be effective.

Forced Payment for City Services

The ordinance forces organizers to cover overtime costs for police and other municipal workers, shifting the city’s responsibility for public safety onto residents. Protecting the public is the duty of government, not a fee-for-service option.

Punitive Fines

Violators face fines starting at $500 and escalating upward. This harsh penalty means even peaceful, small-scale assemblies without the proper paperwork could be punished severely.

Lack of Written Exemptions

City officials have verbally assured citizens that “political protests” would be exempt. However, these assurances are meaningless without being written into the ordinance itself. Without explicit language, current and future administrations can enforce the law however they choose.

Unequal Impact

While the ordinance may appear neutral on paper, its origins and timing suggest it was introduced in response to specific protests. Ordinances passed with the intent of silencing one viewpoint set a dangerous precedent and erode trust in local government.

Community Costs vs. Administrative Costs

Courts have upheld modest permit fees only when they reflect actual administrative expenses (traffic management, sanitation, etc.). If the fees exceed true costs, they risk being unconstitutional.

Chilling Effect on Civic Participation

Combined, these restrictions discourage residents from organizing marches, rallies, vigils, and even cultural events. The result is less civic engagement and a weaker community voice.

Our Request

We urge the Cumberland Mayor and City Council to:

Repeal this ordinance, or
Amend it to:

• Remove or reduce excessive insurance and overtime cost requirements.
• Shorten the 30-day advance filing requirement to allow for responsive events.
• Put clear written exemptions for free speech and protest events into the ordinance language.
• Eliminate or dramatically reduce punitive fines.
• Ensure fees and requirements are narrowly tied to actual, documented administrative costs.
• Guarantee equal enforcement regardless of political viewpoint, cause, or affiliation.

Our Stand

This is not a partisan issue — it is a free speech issue. Regardless of political beliefs, all residents deserve the same right to assemble, speak, and be heard without facing unnecessary financial obstacles.

By signing below, we stand for protecting the fundamental freedoms of all Cumberland citizens.