Montana Reverses Weekend Rally Ban at State Capitol After Public Outcry
The Montana Department of Administration has reversed its controversial guidelines that prohibited permits for weekend rallies at the state Capitol in Helena. This decision follows significant public pushback and criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who argued the rule infringed on free speech rights.
Policy Reversal After Legislative Scrutiny
According to the General Services Division website, the department revised its guidelines last Friday. The original restrictions would have blocked event organizers from setting up equipment and using state resources for weekend gatherings. DOA Director Misty Ann Giles had initially described the change to prohibit weekend events as "no big deal" during a legislative budget committee hearing last week but later committed to revisiting the permit rule.
A department spokesperson previously cited cost-saving measures as the rationale for the weekend closure, noting that only five staff members work events and that weekend operations strain state resources. However, this explanation failed to satisfy critics who viewed the policy as an unnecessary barrier to public assembly.
Activists Celebrate Victory for Free Speech
The policy reversal comes after organizers for the "No Kings" rally raised concerns earlier this month, labeling the weekend ban an infringement on constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. Since the nationwide protests are typically held on Saturdays, the restriction would have effectively prevented such gatherings at the Capitol.
Barbara Barnes, an organizer with Indivisible Helena, confirmed to Montana Free Press on Monday that her group now plans to stage the "No Kings" rally at the Capitol flag plaza. "With word from the agency that it is suspending the new policy, we do plan to stage the rally," Barnes stated. "That does mean, however, that we have to submit paperwork to the agency, which we are in the process of doing right now. We don't expect any issues."
Indivisible Helena has scheduled a meeting with DOA officials for Wednesday at the Capitol, with the rally itself set for Saturday, March 28, from noon to 1 p.m.
Lawmakers Applaud Collaborative Approach
Nearly all members of Montana's Democratic caucus had signed a letter to Governor Greg Gianforte urging a reconsideration of the permit policy, arguing it would prevent Montanans from expressing their opinions. Representative Luke Muszkiewicz, a Democrat from Helena, who questioned Director Giles during the legislative hearing, welcomed the administration's willingness to reconsider.
"I appreciated Director Giles' candor before the committee and her willingness to revisit the department's approach, and I remain thankful to the Capitol workers who make public access possible," Muszkiewicz said. "I trust that DOA will work collaboratively with lawmakers before considering any future changes, and I hope to be part of that discussion."
The DOA did not respond to Montana Free Press's request for comment on Monday, leaving some details of the revised guidelines unclear. However, the reversal marks a significant victory for advocacy groups and underscores the ongoing tension between administrative efficiency and constitutional freedoms in public spaces.
