Md. Code Regs. 14.25.03.02

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 14.25.03.02 - Free Speech Activities Generally

A. Basic Rule.

(1) An individual desiring to engage in free speech activities at Authority facilities may do so in proper accordance with these regulations and if the activities do not:

(a) Constitute commercial activities;

(b) Constitute solicitation for the immediate receipt of money or contributions; or

(c) Result in interference with the safety of the public or the operation of Authority facilities, disrupt events at an Authority facility, or impede the flow of either vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

(2) In general, a single person engaged in free speech activities does not impermissibly obstruct a sidewalk, unless that person intentionally moves to obstruct or hinder pedestrians or vehicles attempting to pass by such person.

B. Except as otherwise provided in this regulation, the use of musical or other noise-producing instruments, microphones or comparable voice-projecting devicesis prohibited at an Authority facility. Subject to applicable noise-control ordinances, a person within the Camden Yards Sports Complex may use a battery-operated handheld megaphone if and when the person is located on a public sidewalk south of Lee Street and north of Hamburg Street (which does not include the Spine).

C. Except for the Authority, its authorized tenants, and such tenants' licensees, no person or persons may place or erect any table, display (other than hand-carried signs and placards otherwise permitted), or other stationary object at any location within an Authority facility (including the Plazas and sidewalks). Any person who places or erects a table, display, or other stationary object on Authority property and fails or refuses to remove it upon proper request to do so by an authorized agent of the Authority shall be considered trespassing in violation of COMAR 14.25.02.15.T he Authority may treat any table, display, or other stationary object left unattended at an Authority facility as suspicious and may remove, dispose of, or destroy it without liability to the owner thereof.

D. An individual or group engaging in free speech activities may not engage in any activities prohibited under COMAR 14.25.02.

E. All free speech activities shall be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. A person or group of persons participating in any free speech activities may not:

(1) Willfully impede or physically grasp at any other persons using or transiting the Authority facility or viewing the memorials in any of the Plazas;

(2) Attach any objects to any other person's clothing without that person's consent;

(3) Engage in aggressive solicitation (as defined by the Baltimore City Code) or unlawful harassment;

(4) Engage in disorderly conduct;

(5) Unless true, represent or imply that the person or group represents, is affiliated with, or is in any way endorsed by the State of Maryland, the Authority, the Baltimore Orioles, the Baltimore Ravens, or any other tenant of an Authority facility;

(6) Unreasonably disturb tenants or the public in the course of normal business activities, sporting events, entertainment events, or viewing any of the memorials on any of the Plazas.

F. Any person, organization, or other legal entity engaging in any free speech activities at an Authority facility shall be responsible for any damages to any property directly caused by that person's, organization's, or other legal entity's actions, including, but not limited to, reimbursement of all cleaning and repair costs incurred by the Authority.

G. A person, organization, or other legal entity engaging in any free speech activities at an Authority facility may not leave unattended any pamphlets, handbills, leaflets, signs, placards, posters, collection boxes or containers, or any other materials. The Authority may treat any materials left unattended anywhere at an Authority facility as suspicious and may remove, dispose of, or destroy any such materials without any liability to the owner thereof.

H. Any person, organization, or other legal entity engaging in any free speech activities at an Authority facility shall abide by the terms of this chapter, any permit issued pursuant to this chapter, and local, state, and federal law.

I. Placards and Signs.

(1) A person at an Authority facility may not carry any placard or sign that:

(a) Has a height exceeding 36 inches or a width exceeding 24 inches;

(b) Uses words or images meant to incite immediate violence or an immediate breach of the peace;

(c) Uses words or images that describe or depict any erotic or pornographic conduct.

(2) Only hand-carried signs and placards are permitted at an Authority facility. No sign or placard may be appended to, hung on, or rested upon any walkway, structure, or other part of an Authority facility. No sign or placard may be placed on or attached to any post or pole in any part of an Authority facility

Md. Code Regs. 14.25.03.02

Regulations .02 amended effective 41:26 Md. R. 1570, eff.1/5/2015