New York City passed a law proposed by Ray Kelly and the New York Police Department, with the help of Mayor Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, to severely limit the citizens freedom to assemble. On Friday January 28, 2007 the NYPD announced the new law that requires groups of 50 or more to obtain a permit if they want to gather on a sidewalk, in the road, or in the parks. The rules effect pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists alike. The NYPD began enforcing these rules February 25, 2007.

There have been outcries against the NYPD's new law from the community. More than 22 groups have joined Asssemble For Rights to oppose these rules, including religious organizations, peace activists including UFPJ, the National Lawyers Guild, health advocates, bicycling groups, etc. Nearly a dozen city councilors have spoken out against these rules. And the law has been opposed by the New York Bar Association, which called on City Council to overrule the NYPD.

In New York City, NY on April 29, 2007 there were three people arrested in the freedom of assembly march. The march began in city hall park and ended in battery park city. The protest was an attempt to combat the new law which restricted 50 or more people or bikes from assembling on a public street without a permit. It addition to that it also restricts twenty or more people from gathering in a public park unpermitted. The NYC bar association, AM NYC Queer Contingent, and the NY Civil Liberties Union who were also participants in the march argue the new law destroys one's first amendment rights.

Sources

http://www.nowpublic.com/three_arrested_in_freedom_of_assembly_protest