L.A. Council proposes ban on hate speech at meetings

The Los Angeles City Council is taking steps to address the use of hate speech in its meetings. Council members are concerned that offensive language has discouraged people from participating in public discussions. Recently, seven council members backed a proposal to specifically ban the N-word and the C-word during meetings. Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who is Black, pointed out that these words do not carry any political weight and are solely intended to harm individuals. He believes their frequent use has made civic participation uncomfortable. The proposal would allow the council to warn audience members the first time they use these words, and repeat offenders could be removed from meetings. Efforts to control hate speech in the past have often faced legal challenges. Experts on the First Amendment have raised questions about whether the proposed restrictions would hold up in court. Some argue that banning only specific words could be seen as unfairly targeting certain viewpoints. Harris-Dawson acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the need to address disrespectful behavior in council meetings. The city has experienced incidents of offensive remarks before. For example, a speaker recently used the N-word during a committee meeting and was known for disruptive behavior. The council has already taken measures against certain speakers in the past. Several complaints about hateful language have arisen lately, particularly during confirmation hearings. Some council members are wary that the rules might limit participation in other ways, beyond just the use of offensive language. They also express concern that recent changes to public comment procedures have made it more difficult for residents to voice their opinions. Harris-Dawson remains committed to refining his proposal. He plans to consult with legal experts and consider other words for potential inclusion in the ban. “Attacking someone’s personhood is not political speech,” he said. “It’s just an attack, that’s all it is.”