A public discussion in Bethel, CT, drew dozens of residents concerned that possible new requirements for public gatherings could restrict free speech at P.T. Barnum Square. The Board of Selectmen held a meeting on Tuesday to gather input before drafting any proposals related to permits or insurance for groups using the downtown square. While no formal plan has been created or debated, residents expressed strong opposition to the idea, saying such requirements could infringe on First Amendment rights.
For the past 31 weeks, P.T. Barnum Square has hosted weekly Defending Democracy rallies. Attendees at the meeting said these events have been peaceful and lawful.
First Selectman Dan Carter emphasized that the discussion was exploratory and not intended to limit speech. “There is no proposal … nothing has been decided here,” Carter said. “This was just a chance to allow the public to give us opinions on this.” He added that the board’s concern stemmed from the growing size of the gatherings and potential safety considerations.
Carter also stated that his personal view is that the board will likely not pursue any permit or insurance requirements. He suggested that the board may even consider reversing insurance mandates for religious holiday displays established under former First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker, saying such displays also represent “an expression of free speech.”
Several residents disagreed with the need for any new rules. “This is not about safety or fairness. It’s about control,” said Cyndie McGuire, who helped organize the weekly rallies. “Our rallies have been peaceful, respectful, and entirely within the law. The only thing that’s changed is that some people in power are uncomfortable seeing citizens use their voice.”
During the more than hourlong public session, attendees voiced concern that the square— historically used for civic celebrations and community events— might face restrictions that would limit spontaneous or recurring gatherings.
Jonathan Phillips, a regular rally attendee, described the issue as “a test of Bethel’s values.” “The First Amendment doesn’t come with a spontaneity clause,” he said. “Whether people gather once or every week, the right to free speech and peaceful assembly doesn’t expire or require government preapproval.”
A statement from former First Selectman Knickerbocker, read aloud during the meeting, called any potential restrictions “an attempt to deny Bethel citizens their constitutionally guaranteed right to gather and demonstrate.” Knickerbocker added that the town already carries liability insurance and raised questions about how any new policy would define a “group” or assign responsibility for obtaining insurance.
Carter maintained that safety remains the only concern as attendance grows, noting that the small size of P.T. Barnum Square could pose challenges. He suggested Town Hall green as a possible alternative site for larger gatherings.
Several residents responded that if safety risks existed, police would have already intervened. They noted that officers have described the rallies as orderly and cooperative.
After the meeting, Phillips reiterated his concerns, saying, “You can’t claim to defend the right to assemble while creating new rules that make it harder for people to do so.”
At this time, no additional discussions on the issue have been scheduled.
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